Persian Violet, Persian Double Violet
exacum affine
Also known as: ["Persian Double Violet","Persian Violet"]
Overview
A small, herbaceous plant native to Yemen, known for its vibrant blue or violet flowers and delicate foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Genus: | Exacum |
| Botanical Name: | Exacum affine |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix; a mix of peat, perlite, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; major pruning annually after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning which can shock the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; adjust light exposure gradually if moving from low to bright light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant to brighter light slowly over a week; place in a spot with filtered light or sheer curtains; for outdoor placement, provide shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade with bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 5–7 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant sit in water; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5–6.5.
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Ideal temperature range is 65–75°F (18–24°C); prefers stable temperatures; avoid drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid placing near air conditioning vents; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer in the morning for better absorption.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings are the most effective method; take 3–4 inch cuttings just below a node.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light are ideal for rooting.
Medium
A well-draining mix of peat and perlite or sand; can also be rooted in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or leggy stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, disinfectant (optional).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged growth; shape the plant as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; Exacum affine prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh potting mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid wetting leaves excessively to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate peat moss to enhance moisture retention and acidity.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth; bud drop or failure to flower can indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth, cause leaf drop, or lead to root damage; Exacum affine is sensitive to cold drafts.
Solution: Keep the plant away from cold windows or drafts; maintain a stable temperature above 60°F (15°C); use a space heater if necessary during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration; high temperatures combined with low humidity can stress the plant.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with a pebble tray or mister; ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); discontinue fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicExacum affine is not toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts on felines when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicExacum affine is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts on canines when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicExacum affine, commonly known as Persian Violet, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Exacum affine?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the plant does not sit in water to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Persian Violet need direct sunlight?
A: It prefers bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Can Exacum affine be grown outdoors?
A: It is best grown indoors or in protected outdoor settings due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade with bright, ind |
| Water: | every 5–7 days, allowing soi |
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