7 African violet

STREPTOCARPUS IONANTHUS, ZONES 11 TO 12

Although a common gift plant, African violets can be a little fussy. They’re finicky about water, preferring to be consistently moist. Be careful when watering. If you splash cold water on a leaf, it may develop a spot. Once you find the right windowsill and watering schedule, this gem rewards you with a burst of color. Why we love it: The flowers come in many shades, including white, pink, maroon and just about every hue of purple.