Cat-Safe Houseplant Review: The Lovely African Violet That Comes in Many Color

Oct 30

African Violets

Saintpaulia

Do you love plants but are disappointed by the endless list of feline-toxic plants, especially some of the most common ones we're accustomed to? According to the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) website, the list is long and includes many familiar and favored greenhouse treasures.

I've been researching and reviewing houseplants for the last few years and have found many hardy and easy-to-grow options that are non-toxic to your cat and aesthetically pleasing to you. You needn't give up your green thumb to own cats!

This quarter's cat-safe plant recommendation is "African Violet." African violets (Saintpaulia) are among the most popular flowering houseplants due to their ability to bloom in low light and thrive in moderate temperatures and average humidity.

African violets are a perennial that comes in about ten different pink, purple, and white varieties. Colorful violets can liven up your décor, especially as the colder weather approaches. Violets can also be moved outdoors in certain climates. While not a true violet, they get their common name "African violet" from their superficial resemblance to true violets.

My violets all live together in a heavy planter box that sits on my window sill in the cold months, allowing me to easily relocate it to the patio from late spring to mid-fall, where they can regenerate and get a break from the occasional Savannah snack!