Plant guide
Persian violet
Exacum affine
Persian violet is considered non-toxic to cats. This compact flowering plant works as a seasonal potted display. It is a different plant from African violet.
Non-toxic does not mean edible. Eating plant material can still upset your cat’s stomach.
What this guide covers: Exacum affine only. Confirm the botanical label; a photograph cannot identify a visitor’s specimen.
Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Exacum affine
By Jacinta Lluch Valero
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
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Photo:
Photo details
NC State Extension — Exacum affine
By Jacinta Lluch Valero
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Original photograph unchanged; proportionally resized for review and display.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Persian violet terrarium
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Non-toxic does not mean edible. Chewing plants can still upset your cat’s stomach.
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Look for Exacum affine and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Exacum affine
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Exacum affine only; the light and water categories summarize the cited growing guidance.
- Light
- Medium indirect light
Provide partial shade and protect it from direct sun.
- Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Maintain moist soil with good drainage.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
The source specifies outdoor nighttime temperatures of 60–70°F, not an all-day growing range.
- Humidity
- Higher humidity
Warm, humid conditions suit outdoor growing.
- Potting
- Use well-drained potting soil.
- Through the year
- Plants can decline after flowering; cuttings offer a way to start again.
Growing-guide sources
- Exacum affine - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Exact named species; garden conditions are not relabeled as indoor requirements.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-17. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
- Reported signs
- Not recorded in the reviewed evidence
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.
Sources & review
- Persian violet: plant safety reference ↗ASPCA Poison Control · Accessed
The ASPCA entry names the exact species and explicitly classifies it as non-toxic to cats. NC State supplies identity and growing guidance.
- Persian violet: supporting reference ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-17
Safety last reviewed .