The African violet (Saintpaulia) is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful clusters of small, colorful flowers. Native to Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa, African violets are part of the Gesneriad family, which includes many other popular houseplants such as Gloxinia and Cape Primrose. African violets typically grow to be 6-8 inches tall and thrive in indirect, bright light. They prefer to be watered from the bottom, by placing the pot in a dish of water and allowing the soil to soak it up. These plants do best when the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. There are many varieties of African violets, with different flower colors, shapes, and sizes. Some popular cultivars include "Rob's Hummingbird," which has white flowers with purple edges, and "Trailing Lavender," which has a cascading growth habit. African violets can be propagated by rooting leaves or by dividing the plant. With proper care, these beautiful plants can bloom throughout the year and brighten up any indoor space.