Happy Flower Pot

African violet

Saintpaulia spp. (Gesneriaceae)

Also called Cape Marigold.

Cats and dogs

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: non-toxic Dogs: non-toxic

Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.

Source: ASPCA entry "African Violet", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Copes
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

Give African violets bright, indirect or filtered light; in south or west windows shield them from strong midday sun or the leaves will burn. If they stop forming buds they need more light, or grow lights.

Direct sun: best kept out of it.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Moderate. Water: Water when the surface feels dry, preferably from the bottom with room-temperature water, and keep water off the leaves and crown.

Under grow lights, Wisconsin Extension suggests lights 8-12 inches above the plants for 14-16 hours a day.

More pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources