Water Violet
hottonia palustris
Also known as: ["Water Violet","Whorled Water Violet"]
Overview
An aquatic or semi-aquatic flowering plant native to Europe and North America, known for its delicate violet flowers and submerged foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Hottonia |
| Botanical Name: | Hottonia palustris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: Wetland gardens, boggy areas, or shallow water gardens where roots can remain submerged or moist.
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: Not typically required unless grown in very dry indoor conditions, then lightly mist every 1–2 weeks
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter like peat moss or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective removal of damaged or overgrown stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light). Adjust based on intensity and season.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent scorching. For indoor plants, place near a bright window but avoid harsh midday sun. Outdoor plants benefit from morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun, with protection from intense midday sun.
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days or as needed to prevent drying out.
Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging; water deeply to encourage root growth; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
Rich, loamy, moisture-retentive soil with good organic matter content.
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure soil stays moist but not waterlogged; amend with organic matter annually; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Thrives in moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Prefers cooler conditions in winter but avoids frost.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; use a thermometer to monitor ambient temperature; adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
Every 4–6 weeks during active growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; match fertilizer to plant's growth stage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain moisture and humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; trim back leggy stems to a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or yellowing foliage, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or your fingers for pinching.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or diseased parts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growth period begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage; adjust for seasonal changes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff and allow it to penetrate the root zone. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during active growth periods. Reduce watering slightly in winter but ensure the soil does not dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; adjust pH with peat moss or lime if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; leaf drop in sudden temperature shifts.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dormancy. Frost can be lethal.
Solution: Protect from frost with a cover or move indoors. Maintain consistent temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to compensate for evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer label for NPK ratio; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Hottonia palustris may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause mild symptoms if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Hottonia palustris may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicHottonia palustris contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How deep should the water be for Hottonia palustris?
A: It thrives in water depths of 6-12 inches, with roots submerged and leaves floating or just above the water surface.
Q: Does Hottonia palustris require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, though too much direct sunlight may cause leaf scorch.
Q: Is Hottonia palustris suitable for indoor aquariums?
A: Yes, it can be grown in indoor aquariums or paludariums, provided conditions mimic its natural aquatic habitat.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Partial shade to full sun, wit |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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