Growing Persian violet indoors can add a splash of color and interest to the home. These easy-to-care-for plants will reward you with beautiful blooms when given optimal conditions. Read on for more about Persian violet plant care.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Exacum affine, known commercially as the Persian violet, is a species of plant in the family Gentianaceae. It is endemic to Socotra, part of Yemen, though its popularity and cultivation around the world have made it an occasional greenhouse weed.
Persian violet (Exacum affine), or Exacum Persian violet, is an attractive perennial with bluish or white star-shaped flowers and shiny green leaves. These plants can be grown indoors, but they also flourish outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 11. This violet is usually purchased in full bloom and the flowers are evenly spaced over a rounded ball of foliage. The Persian violet blooms for about three or four months; after that, it can be difficult to get it to bloom again. A good thought to have with this plant is to enjoy it while you can!
In the UK, Exacum affine has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This tender annual or biennial plant is sown in heat in early spring, and planted out when all danger of frost has passed (May or June, depending on the location).
II. Types of Persian Violet
There are several varieties of Persian violets available, often differing in flower color:
- Exacum affine ‘Princess White’: This variety blooms with beautiful white flowers that have yellow centers and a sweet fragrance.Â
- Exacum affine ‘Princess Deep Blue’: As its name suggests, this variety blooms with bold blue-violet flowers.
- Exacum affine ‘Atrocaeruleum’: This variety features rich lavender flowers with yellow centers.
III. How to Grow and Care
Persian violet requires attentive care to thrive, with a focus on providing bright, indirect light and maintaining high humidity levels. Overwatering must be avoided to prevent root rot, and the plant benefits from consistent temperatures without exposure to drafts. Special care points include the need for meticulous deadheading to promote further blooming and regular feeding during the growing season.
Sunlight
These plants prefer bright, indirect light to grow and flower at their best. But full sun, especially afternoon sun, is too much for them and can scorch their foliage. When grown as a houseplant, bright areas near windows (but out of direct sun) are ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
These flowers like mild temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate warmer temperatures with adequate moisture and shade. But a cold snap can quickly kill them. As houseplants, protect your Persian violet from drafts and air blowing from heaters and air conditioners.
Moreover, Persian violets prefer a humidity level of at least 50 percent. To raise the humidity around a potted plant, place it on a tray filled with pebbles and water. But make sure the bottom of the pot isn’t touching the water, which can cause root rot. A humidifier in the room with your violet also can benefit it.
Watering
Persian violets like soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. And they prefer watering with room-temperature water, as cold water can shock them.
Soil
The plants grow naturally in rocky soil. They can tolerate a variety of soil types as long as they have good drainage. They also like a slightly acidic soil pH. For potted Persian violets, an African violet potting mix is suitable.
Fertilizing
While your Persian violet is in bloom, feed it with a liquid fertilizer that’s made for flowering plants, following label instructions. Don’t use a slow-release fertilizer, as the Persian violet likely won’t live long enough to benefit from the prolonged release of nutrients.
Propagation
Persian violet, a diminutive, fragrant flowering plant with star-shaped blue flowers, is propagated through sowing its small seeds. When planting, use a well-draining soil mix and scatter the seeds over the surface, lightly pressing them into the soil. Provide consistent moisture and gentle warmth to encourage germination, and be patient, as it may take several weeks. Once seedlings establish, thin them to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth.
Potting and Repotting
Most Persian violets won’t live long enough to require repotting. However, many people find that the plants they buy in garden centers are already root-bound. Plants in this condition will grow more slowly and bloom less vigorously than others with sufficient space.
If you see roots growing out of the top or bottom of the container, the plant is likely root-bound. In this case, gently ease it out of the container, and plant it at the same depth in a slightly bigger pot with fresh potting soil. Then, water the plant to evenly moisten the soil.
Transplanting
For persian violet, a congenial time to transplant is when spring awakens the soil, enriching growth potential. Choose a bright, indirect light location to foster resilience. Gentle handling promotes root security during this transition.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
Even though Persian violets are relatively short-lived plants, they can be plagued by spider mites during dry weather. These pests are so tiny that their presence may only be revealed by the webs they weave among leaves. Of course, an infestation of leaf-sucking spider mites will also result in wilting, yellowing leaves. To get rid of spider mites, clip off affected areas of the plant and mist the leaves to increase moisture and deter mites.
Common Problems
Wilting leaves are often a result of water issues. They are very vulnerable to root rot due to overwatering. But on the other end of the spectrum, they will readily wilt if they are thirsty. This is tricky because root rot also can cause wilting. If your violet is wilting and the soil is moist, you’re likely watering too much. Most Persian violets won’t recover from root rot, so it’s best to start with a new plant.
III. Uses and Benefits
Persian violets add a dash of color and a pleasing smell to your home. They are ideal as potted specimens on the patio or trailing over the side of a hanging basket.
They can be grown outside as ground cover in suitable Zones.
