Finding the Perfect Large African Violet: A Guide to Buying Big Beautiful Bloomers

With their vibrant flowers and lush leaves, African violets make a gorgeous addition to any home. While the standard size is around 4-6 inches, for maximum visual impact, many plant lovers seek out large African violet varieties spanning 8-12 inches across.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the beauty and care for big African violets, plus provide tips for buying these statement-making plants online and at nurseries. Discover how to pick a showstopper bloomer that will thrive in your home.

The Allure of Large African Violets

What makes oversized African violets so sought-after? Here are a few reasons these supersized stunners have become so popular

• Bold, dramatic appearance – The large-scale flowers and foliage make a striking decorative statement in any space

• Exceptional blooming power – More space for blossoms means more prolific flowering. Large African violets produce an abundance of long-lasting blooms.

• Conversation starter – Rare and eye-catching big African violets generate lots of curiosity and compliments.

• Maximized visual impact – The substantial size takes these plants to the next level, creating a true focal point.

• Cater to plant collector passion – Larger specimens satisfy the desire to find special standout plants.

With smart selection and care, jumbo African violets can be just as easy to grow as standard smaller plants. Next, let’s explore where to find them.

Where to Buy Large African Violets

Large African violet varieties are produced by specialist growers. Here are some top places to find big beautiful African violet bloomers for sale:

Online Shops Specializing in African Violets

Online retailers like AfricanVioletGifts.com, VioletBarn.com, and BuyAfricanViolets.com offer extensive selections of large African violets shipped directly to you. These specialty shops are a great source for both common and rare oversized varieties.

Etsy Plant Sellers

Many independent growers on Etsy offer big African violets for sale. Etsy’s African violet vendors often have unusual cultivars not found elsewhere. The plants are carefully packaged and shipped.

Local Nurseries

Visit independent garden centers and greenhouse nurseries in your area. Some may carry or can special order large African violets. This allows you to hand select the specific plant you want.

African Violet Societies

Joining an African violet club connects you to members offering large African violet divisions and cuttings in club sales and auctions. Check clubs’ websites for upcoming events.

Online Auctions and Marketplaces

You can sometimes source hard-to-find large African violet varieties being resold on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace Plant Purge groups. Exercise caution in assessing sellers’ reputations.

With so many venues to acquire them, adding a jumbo African violet to your plant family is very attainable. Next let’s explore ideal growing conditions.

Caring for Large African Violets

While giant in size, large African violets have the same basic care needs as standard smaller plants. Here are some tips for keeping them healthy and floriferous:

• Lighting: Bright indirect light from an east or west window works well. Avoid direct hot sunlight.

• Temperature: Ideal temps are 70-80°F. Avoid drafty areas.

• Watering: Water from below when the top 1″ of soil is dry. Take care not to splash water on leaves.

• Humidity: Average home humidity is fine. Set plants on pebble trays or group together to boost moisture.

• Soil: Use a fast-draining African violet mix. Repot annually in spring to refresh the soil.

• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.

With a little diligence to their cultural needs, your supersized stunner will soon be flowering fabulously. Next let’s spotlight top large varieties.

Notable Large African Violet Varieties

Here are some of the most popular and visually impressive large African violet varieties to grow:

• ‘Barbara’s Velvet Ruffle’ – Velvety ruffled blooms in shades of pink, purple and fuchsia.

• ‘Colossus Blue’ – Prolific bloomer with huge sky blue flowers.

• ‘Colossus Pink’ – Giant soft pink blooms make a pretty statement.

• ‘Grande’ – Vibrant violet-blue flowers keep this variety a classic favorite.

• ‘Jumbo Jubilee’ – Dense clusters of blush pink blooms.

• ‘King of Giants’ – Well named variety bearing monster violet flowers.

• ‘Pink Poodle’ – Cute ruffled flowers in bubblegum pink.

• ‘Regal Supreme’ – Elegant blooms colored wine-red with white throats.

There are also many stunning hybrids and other varieties well-suited to larger growers. Talk to specialty sellers to find your perfect big bloomer!

Tips for Buying Large African Violets

When shopping for an extra large African violet, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek out established growers with strong reputations for quality plants.

• Look for plants 6 inches or larger in diameter at minimum for a substantial impact.

• Select plants that are actively blooming or with buds ready to open soon.

• Avoid plants that are rootbound in their pots or appearing weak and leggy.

• Pick plants with healthy foliage free of pest damage or blemishes.

• For shipped plants, choose expedited 1-3 day shipping to reduce transit stress.

• Review return policies in case the plant arrives damaged or diseased.

Take your time choosing and don’t settle. The right jumbo violet will enhance your home for years to come.

Displaying Large African Violets

Now that you have your dreamy giant African violet, how should you showcase it? Here are some effective display ideas:

• On plant stands and pedestals to elevate the blooms to eye-level.

• Clustered in groups of varying heights for a bold layered statement.

• As a centerpiece on dining or coffee tables.

• On wide windowsills or mantels with space to spread out.

• Against a solid wall to contrast with the bold leaves and flowers.

• Near seating areas where the blossoms and foliage can really be appreciated up close.

Growing these big beauties is so rewarding. With the right care and ideal spot to shine, your giant African violet will stop visitors in their tracks.

So if you adore African violets and want to take your collection up a notch, consider bringing home one of these marvelous monster bloomers. Their substantial size and nonstop flowers will make an eye-catching addition to your home.