African Violet

Want houseplants that are pet-friendly that also produce gorgeous blooms? Look for an African violet. As their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya. In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Allaire identified these plants and sent seeds back to Germany. The genus came to be called Saintpaulia, though the plants have recently been re-categorized into a different genus, Streptocarpus. Despite their common name, they are not a type of violet, but they do produce vivid, violet-colored flowers.

African violet comes in a range of purple and pink hues are low maintenance and thrive without bright light. Keep the soil moderately moist, and water African violets by letting them soak up water through the pot's drainage hole to avoid damaging the leaves and petals. This flowering houseplant can brighten up even the smallest spaces because it stays less than 12 inches tall.

Appearance: Dark broad leaves, purple flowers
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light
Difficulty: Easy