Somewhere to start with this wonderful plant.
Yes you are right! From Africa originally but now sadly not flourishing too well in their original habitat.
They have become a very popular plant since they become subject to hybridising in the 1920's. Since then enthusiasts have worked to develop more interesting and colourful varieties of the original plant which was originally just a plane old blue colour. (Still a favourite though.)
I guess you either like them or not. A lot depends on whether the plant actually likes you enough to stay alive, flower and generally keep you happy. I guess location is important.
Think of them growing away in Africa in the rock crevices. No strong direct sun. No heavy prolonged water sogging moisture. The occasional mist swirling around. Sort of like my bathroom really where one of my favorites smiles at me despite my grumpy outlook most mornings.