Miniviolet/Carol's African Violets is back!

I always enjoyed having an African Violet or two around since my college days. Then around 1998 I started to realize the HUGE world of African Violets, the thousands of varieties, how to propagate my own, and other relatives in the Saintpaulia family. Before you knew it every surface in my house was covered with propagating leaves, babies galore, and every new one that I could get my hands on. I was obsessed. In 2001 I had my first child and my poor violets experienced quite a setback. Twenty months later came baby number two and the poor remaining violets were lucky to be alive. I slowly gave them away to good homes. When the last one left my door we had two children and various foster children in and out of our home. It was time to take a break from them. Two children turned into four children, a consulting business was started, and about 20 years flew by! In 2024 I picked up an African Violet at a local nursery and in an instant I was hooked again. I've rejoined my old club, First Nighter African Violet Society of Dallas, and also First African Violet Society of Dallas.

Thank you to the many visitors to my site over the last few years, and happy growing!

Please bear with me as I update the website, links, lists and pictures of the African Violets and other gesneriads that I've grown over the years.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Carol  (Miniviolet)

Please e-mail me with any suggestions, comments, or questions.


Links to some of my favorite African Violet sites can be found here.  (There are so many to choose from!!)

AVSA is a great place to get started!  The FAQ's section is a great place to get started and find answers to common questions.  The photos section is just amazing!  They also have a great section to help find local clubs, and and excellent section for vendors!

Rachel's Reflections is a terrific website!!  I just can't say enough about it.  Not only are there some great "how to's", but she includes pictures so you can SEE what she is describing!  An excellent site for new and old growers alike.

Optimara has a very nice site with 2 very helpful sections in it.  One is Dr. Optimara.  It lets you choose the symptoms your plant is displaying, and then gives you a list of possible causes and treatments.  How cool is that!  In addition it has a fantastic glossary.  Ever wondered just what IS a Bustle back leaf anyway?  (You can also find a picture of this one in my photos section!)  Check out Optimara!

all images © Carol (Miniviolet)