How to Grow African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue
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African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue
Streptocarpus x 'Concord Blue'
flowerConcord Blue is a hybrid African violet cultivar prized for its vibrant deep blue flowers with delicate ruffled petals and attractive dark green foliage. This compact houseplant produces prolific blooms over an extended flowering season and thrives as an indoor ornamental. It is relatively easy to care for compared to other African violet varieties.
When should you plant African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue in your zone?
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Example African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Not cold-hardy; grown indoors year-round in all zones as a houseplant. Performs best in warm, stable indoor conditions.
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Get my African Violet Streptocarpus Concord Blue timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant with 3-4 leaf rosettes establishing root system in fresh potting mix.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide 12-14 hours of bright indirect light daily. Maintain humidity at 40-60% without wetting leaves. Keep away from cold drafts.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops fuller rosette with increased leaf size and multiple crowns forming.
Continue consistent moisture and bright light. Pinch off early flower buds to encourage foliage development. Remove any dead or damaged leaves. Fertilize bi-weekly with diluted African violet fertilizer.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksSmall blue buds appear in leaf axils around the crown.
Maintain optimal light (12-14 hours daily) to promote bud set. Reduce watering slightly. Do not disturb plant. Keep humidity consistent at 50-60%.
Flowering
6-12 weeks or longer with proper careAbundant deep blue ruffled flowers bloom in clusters above foliage, creating a stunning display.
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain consistent light and moisture. Increase humidity slightly. Continue bi-weekly diluted fertilizer. Avoid moving or disturbing the plant.
Dormancy & Reblooming
2-4 weeks or variableFlowering slows naturally; plant may rest before producing new flower buds.
Reduce fertilizer frequency to once monthly. Maintain adequate light. Continue regular watering. A slight temperature drop (60-65°F at night) can trigger reblooming. Repot annually in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Isolate plant immediately. Remove with cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil every 5-7 days for 3 weeks. Monitor new growth closely.
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Increase humidity to 60%+. Spray undersides of leaves with water or insecticidal soap weekly. Use neem oil if infestation persists. Discard heavily infested plants.
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use sticky yellow traps. Apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil. Repot into fresh sterile soil if severe.
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Isolate affected plant. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3 weeks. Use yellow sticky traps. Improve air circulation.
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Prevent with well-draining soil and careful watering at soil level only. If affected, repot into fresh dry soil. Remove rotted portions. Improve air circulation and reduce humidity slightly.
Uses
Not for consumption
CulinaryAfrican violets are ornamental houseplants and are not intended for culinary use. They are non-toxic to humans and pets but offer no nutritional or flavoring value. [source]
Floral arrangements and displays
CraftThe striking deep blue ruffled flowers are prized by indoor gardeners and floral designers for creating beautiful potted plant displays and windowsill arrangements. Their compact growth habit makes them ideal for shelving and plant collections. [source]
Indoor air purification and décor
HouseholdAfrican violets serve as attractive living décor that improves indoor air quality by absorbing toxins. They are particularly valued for adding color and life to dim indoor spaces like offices and bathrooms. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, African violet leaf infusions have been used in folk remedies, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern herbalists do not widely recommend them for medicinal purposes. [source]
Pollinator-friendly indoor flowers
WildlifeWhen grown on sunny windowsills, the delicate blue flowers can attract small indoor pollinators. The plant supports beneficial insects in conservatory and greenhouse environments. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
African violets are ornamental flowers; remove individual spent blooms by gently pinching or cutting them off at the base to encourage continuous flowering. Deadheading extends the blooming period significantly. Cut stems should be removed cleanly with sterile scissors to prevent disease.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The African violet 'Concord Blue' was a sport or mutation selected from existing hybrid lines and named for its striking resemblance to the blue-purple hue of Concord grapes.
- 🌱 African violets (Streptocarpus spp.) are not actually violets; they are members of the Gesneriaceae family and are native to tropical regions of East Africa, not Europe.
- 🌱 With proper care and regular deadheading, a healthy African violet like Concord Blue can bloom almost continuously year-round under indoor grow lights, providing months or years of vibrant flowers from a single plant.
Gardening Terms
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