Buying guide
African Violets for Sale: Pet-Safe Blooms, What to Check, Where to Buy
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
African violets flower on and off all year on a windowsill-sized plant, in purple, pink, blue and white. They are one of the few flowering houseplants that are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Plant profile
- Light
- Bright indirect light; an east window or a few feet from south/west
- Water
- When the top 1/2 in is dry; water at the soil, not on the leaves, with room-temperature water
- Humidity
- Average to medium
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Size
- 6-12 in across
- Growth
- Slow
Is an african violet right for you?
It suits you if you can give it bright indirect light; an east window or a few feet from south/west and you are happy to water when the top 1/2 in is dry; water at the soil, not on the leaves, with room-temperature water. Difficulty: Moderate. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so it is a good choice for pet homes. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.
Similar plants to consider: Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily.
Sizes and what you will receive
Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature african violet can reach 6-12 in across and growth is slow, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.
What to check when buying: a healthy african violet
- Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
- Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
- No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.
Problems to know about before buying:
- No flowers: Not enough light is the usual cause.
- Mushy center (crown): Crown rot from overwatering or water in the crown.
- Pale spots on leaves: Cold water splashed on the leaves.
Prices
We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.
Shipping and seasonal risks
Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.
Your first week after delivery
- Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
- Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
- Give it bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
- Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
- Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: African Violet care.
Where to buy an african violet online, and why
We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 21 Oct 2026). Stock changes daily. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list. Disclosure.
Lively Root
Listing we found: African Violet (Saintpaulia Ionantha) (checked 21 Oct 2026)
Online plant shop with a plant finder quiz, pet-friendly and low-light collections, subscriptions and corporate gifting. Policy notes: a 30-day arrival guarantee; 48 contiguous US states (no Hawaii or Alaska).
What customers say: Buyers like the selection and size options; soil spillage and winter damage come up. Read the summary
Compare shipping and guarantee terms side by side in Online plant shop policies compared.