These pretty plant powerhouses have the ability to bloom for decades with the right care. Here's everything you need to know.

Presently, more than 10,000 African violet varieties exist. Flowers appear in every version of violet, purple, and pink, and there is even a yellow cultivar that was bred with painstaking persistence.

In 1938, African violets became more popular in the US with introduction of the fluorescent light bulb, which allowed for nearly continuous blooming all year.

African violets, those cheerful, shade-loving houseplants native to Tanzania and introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s, are finally having their day in the sun: the National Garden Bureau has ...

Many growers use artificial lights for African violets. Nothing too high tech is needed, just a simple fluorescent tube fixture on a timer for 10 to 12 hours a day.

Now is the time to take cuttings of African violets (Saintpaulia). I do it as part of my general grooming procedure, except instead of only removing the old, damaged leaves, I pick a few mature ...

Q: I picked an African violet leaf and put it in water to start a new plant. It's been in water for three weeks and still no roots. Should I start with another leaf? - Ray Brown, Enderlin, N.D.

You’ll need African violet soil, pots, a sharp knife, and some plastic bags. Remember to sterilize your tools; a 1-to-5 ratio of bleach to water solution works well.

African violets, those cheerful, shade-loving houseplants introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s, are finally having their day in the sun.

Q: I picked an African violet leaf and put it in water to start a new plant. It's been in water for three weeks and still no roots. Should I start with another leaf? - Ray Brown, Enderlin, N.D.