Violets are a favored group of plants, known for their charming blooms and varied forms. The term “violet” refers to species from two distinct botanical genera: Viola and Saintpaulia. These plants are popular for their diverse colors, patterns, and adaptability, thriving both outdoors and as indoor potted specimens.
Understanding Different Types of Violets
The term “violet” encompasses plants from two distinct genera: Viola and Saintpaulia, each with unique characteristics. Viola species, often called true violets, pansies, or violas, are outdoor plants. They are typically herbaceous perennials, though some are annuals or small shrubs, forming clumps or spreading through creeping stems. These plants showcase heart-shaped or rounded leaves and five-petaled flowers in various colors.
In contrast, Saintpaulia species, known as African violets, are popular indoor houseplants. Native to eastern Africa, they exhibit a rosette-forming growth habit with velvety, dark green leaves. African violets are prized for their compact size and continuous blooming, featuring flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. While Viola species suit garden beds, African violets thrive in indoor containers.
Essential Care for Violets
Appropriate care for violets depends on whether you are growing outdoor Viola species or indoor Saintpaulia species. Their specific requirements for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and fertilizer are key to their success.
Light
Outdoor Viola varieties prefer full sun to partial shade, thriving in cooler temperatures. In warmer climates, they benefit from afternoon shade to prevent scorching and prolong blooming. African violets (Saintpaulia) require bright, indirect light for abundant blooms. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, making east or north-facing windows ideal, or they can be grown under fluorescent grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.
Water
Viola species prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil, tolerating short dry spells. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. For African violets, maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging. Bottom watering is recommended to prevent water from sitting on their fuzzy leaves, which can cause leaf spots or rot. Use room-temperature water for African violets, as cold water can shock their roots.
Soil
Viola plants thrive in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil, benefiting from organic matter like compost. They prefer a slightly acidic soil pH. African violets require a specific, well-draining, airy potting mix to support their roots and prevent rot. A common mix includes equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, providing good aeration and moisture retention. African violets also prefer a slightly acidic soil pH.
Temperature and Humidity
Viola species are cool-season plants, performing best in mild temperatures between 40°F and 70°F (4°C to 21°C). While they tolerate occasional freezing, prolonged heat can cause decline. African violets, originating from tropical regions, prefer warmer indoor temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They appreciate higher humidity levels. To increase humidity, group plants or use a pebble tray with water, but avoid direct misting of leaves.
Fertilizer
For outdoor Viola plants, incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting. Additional liquid feeding with a balanced fertilizer can prolong blooming during active growth. African violets are sensitive to fertilizers and benefit from a balanced, water-soluble formula designed for them, often high in phosphorus to encourage blooms. Fertilize every two to four weeks during the growing season.
Propagating Violets
Propagating violets creates new plants, with methods varying by type. Viola species can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or from seed.
Division
Mature clumps can be carefully extracted, separated, and transplanted into fresh compost in autumn.
Stem Cuttings
Take 2-3 inch cuttings from non-flowering shoots in summer. Insert them into damp potting mix and keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.
Seed
Sow seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost, covering them completely as they require darkness for germination. Transplant seedlings once they develop a few true leaves.
African violets (Saintpaulia) are most commonly propagated using leaf cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf with about a half-inch of stem, then place it in moist potting soil or water until roots and new plantlets form. Another method is separating offsets, small plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant.
Common Problems with Violets
Violets, both outdoor Viola and indoor Saintpaulia species, can encounter various issues related to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
Pests
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats can affect both types of violets. Aphids can be dislodged with a strong stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap. Slugs and rabbits can also be a problem for outdoor Viola plants.
Diseases
Diseases like powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spots are common. Powdery mildew often appears in cool, wet conditions with poor air circulation. Root rot results from overwatering or poorly draining soil. To prevent fungal leaf spots and rust, avoid overhead irrigation, especially for Viola species. For African violets, keep water off their leaves to prevent leaf spot and crown rot.
Environmental Stressors
Environmental stressors can also cause problems. Lack of blooms in African violets can indicate insufficient light, while pale leaves suggest too much light. Yellowing or drooping leaves in Viola can be a sign of improper watering. High temperatures can stress Viola plants, causing them to cease blooming or decline.