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
Quick verdict
- Buy it if you can give it bright indirect light; an east window or a few feet from south/west.
- Difficulty: Moderate · Pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
- Size to buy: A small pot is the usual buy; its size at maturity is 6-12 in across.
- Where to buy: 1 shop we checked lists it in stock (7 Nov 2026): Lively Root. Amazon also returns live-plant search results.
Quick picks shop listing checked 7 Nov 2026
Compare all 1 shop ↓ · Care guide
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
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
Compare shops that list a african violet
In stock on 7 Nov 2026, cheapest listing per shop. Shops with 100+ independent reviews first, then by price. Prices change daily; the shop's checkout wins.
| Shop | Listing we found | From | Guarantee | Shipping | Winter shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lively Root | African Violet +1 more listing | $43.00 | 30-day guarantee | $9 flat standard | Thermal sleeve; may hold orders | View at Lively Root |
Ordering when it is cold? Read buying plants online in winter. Policy terms from each shop's own pages; compare policies. We may earn a commission from some links; it never decides what we list or the order. Disclosure.
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Ready to buy an african violet? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
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.
Size and age buying guide
| Size | What you usually get | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop / shelf | Usually a 4-6 in nursery pot. | Cheapest way in; expect a long wait to reach a large size. |
Younger or older plant? A younger, smaller plant costs less and settles in easily; an older, larger plant gives you the look straight away but costs more to buy and ship. With a slow growth rate and a mature size of 6-12 in across, buy close to the size you want.
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.
What to check on arrival
- Photograph the box and the plant before and while you unpack; most guarantees ask for photos.
- Leaves and stems: firm, evenly colored leaves; no snapped stems or mushy tissue at the soil line.
- Soil: not sour-smelling or waterlogged.
- Pests: no webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
- Size: compare the pot size and height with the listing you ordered.
- Report problems quickly under the shop’s guarantee.
Guarantee terms of the shops that list it, from their own policy pages (checked 21 Oct 2026):
- Lively Root: 30 Day Happiness Guarantee: dead or damaged plants replaced; send a photo within 30 days of delivery.
Problems that often show up after delivery:
- 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
Comparing shops in general? See the best places to buy plants online. We list a shop only after confirming it currently lists this plant (checked 7 Nov 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 (in stock 7 Nov 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.
Ready to buy an african violet? A shop we verified lists it, or search Amazon.
Amazon links open an Amazon search, not a specific product we have tested; prices and sellers vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
FAQ: buying an african violet online
Where can I buy an african violet online?
We confirmed that Lively Root lists an african violet (checked 21 Oct 2026). Compare them in the table on this page. Amazon search results also include live plants from various sellers.
What size african violet should I buy?
A small pot is the usual buy; its size at maturity is 6-12 in across. Online shops sell by nursery pot diameter, and height varies within one pot size, so read the listed height too.
Is an african violet safe for cats and dogs?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). Check the ASPCA plant list and ask your vet if a pet chews it.
Is an african violet easy to care for?
Our care guide rates it moderate. It needs 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.
What should I check when my african violet arrives?
Photograph the box and plant as you unpack, check for firm leaves, unbroken stems, soil that is not waterlogged and no pests under the leaves, then report any problem to the shop quickly, as guarantees have short windows.
When is the best time to order an african violet online?
Order in mild weather where you can. In winter, choose a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather; in summer, avoid shipments that sit in a hot truck over a long weekend.
Does Plantshop.com sell plants?
No. We are an independent buying guide; we do not sell plants or handle orders. We link to shops and may earn a commission on some links, which never decides what we list.
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