Stream Violet, Water Violet, River Violet
viola glabella
Also known as: ["Stream Violet","Water Violet","River Violet"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, typically found along streams and in moist woodlands.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Genus: | Viola |
| Botanical Name: | Viola glabella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: moist, shaded garden bed or container with protection from intense sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter like peat moss or compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot summer months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix of peat, perlite, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler spring and fall conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; keep away from heating/cooling vents; maintain consistent room temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in moist medium, keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged leaves, shape as desired, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., 2 inches larger in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, 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 is dry, ensure proper drainage, adjust frequency based on season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture distribution without waterlogging, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth in spring and summer; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback if exposed to prolonged cold below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, provide a heat source if necessary, avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in temperatures above 80°F (27°C).
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicViola glabella is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk to felines when ingested, though overconsumption may result in mild digestive disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicViola glabella is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause significant adverse effects when ingested by canines, though excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicViola glabella, commonly known as stream violet, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its high fiber content and potential irritant effects on the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I propagate Viola glabella?
A: It can be propagated by seed or division in early spring.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Viola glabella?
A: It thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil and consistent humidity.
Q: Does Viola glabella attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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