Violet (Violet) is a genus of the violet family, numbering more than 500 plant species. It is a perennial or annual herb. This delicate flower can decorate with its charm any room, balcony or garden. Blooming early in the spring, he announces the end of winter. It is difficult to say for sure about the homeland of these amazing plants, as they were found all over the world, and yet, botanists are inclined to think that they first appeared in Australia.
When it comes to this flower, many mistakenly immediately represent Saintpaulia (Usambara violet). However, according to the scientific classification, they are by no means relatives, and belong not only to different families (violet to violet, Saintpaulia to Hesnerian), but even to different orders.
Violets are favorite plants of flower beds. The well-known Pansy flower also belongs to this genus. Some species are bred because of odorous flowers (first of all, it is Viola odorata, which has countless garden varieties), others are interesting with bright flowers that have a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes (Viola tricolor, Viola altaica, Viola lutea, etc.).
These flowers can be grown in indoor conditions, and in the garden or greenhouse. They grow in height to 30 cm and always grow. Their leaves, as a rule, are heart-shaped, and flowers - asymmetric. The shape of the petals is a determining factor for most species. Mostly flowers of this genus are cyan and purple, but they can also be red, pink, white, yellow and two-tone. Most species bloom in spring, but modern, new varieties can please fans with their lush color throughout the summer.
Violet - growing and care
In general, the care of these plants in the indoor environment is not a big deal. They love the light, but are very afraid of direct sunlight. The best place to grow them is the northern side of the house, perhaps the western or eastern. In order for the plant to develop evenly, the pot with the plant must be turned from time to time on different sides to the light.
The pots should have a diameter of 10 to 13 cm and a height of about 10 cm. Some people think that these plants can be grown in a yoghurt cup. However, it is impossible to grow a full-fledged and beautiful plant in such a container, and if you take a bigger pot, the flowers and leaves of the plant will also be larger. Although in too big pots the flower will also feel very uncomfortable.
Violets like coolness, and the best mode for them will be about 16 ° C. The higher the temperature in the room where your flower lives - the less likely it is to grow successfully. Faded flowers should be removed to allow new germination.
The soil mixture should be enriched with peat moss and contain coarse sand. You should also take care of good drainage, which should occupy almost half of the pot. The pot, which is used for planting, must necessarily be with a hole in the bottom.
Watering should be abundant, so that the soil is always wet. But the plant can not be poured too, in order to avoid rotting of the roots. Very good, if there is an opportunity to water it with rain water. However, care must be taken to keep it warm. Also, the plant is very supportive of spraying, but the water should not contain lime, so that the leaves do not appear stains.
During active growth and after flowering, it must be fed with complex fertilizers.
The flower will grow well if you take care of the timely removal of dead flowers. It is also necessary to provide him with good airing of the room.
Violet - replanting and reproduction
The plant must be replanted every year, but you should not take a larger pot. Having changed the ground in the tank where it was sitting before the transplant, you just need to reinstall it there.
Flower propagated by seeds. To do this is not difficult, and the landing does not depend on the time of year. For planting, seeds are sown in a flat container and watered so that the soil is always slightly moist. They germinate from 1 to 2 weeks, after which they are given a good root for another 2 weeks and are seated in separate pots.
Violet - possible diseases and pests
If violets are kept at too high a temperature, they can be damaged by red spider mites, which must be dealt with by spraying the plant with systemic insecticides.
Another disease of these flowers is the black leg, which affects the base of the stem at seedlings and seedlings. The reason for this is a violation of the temperature regime, as well as the overmoistening of the soil. In the affected area, the stem darkens and thinns, leading to a weakening and death of the plant. In the event of a disease of the plant with a black leg, it is necessary to replace the soil and disinfect it with a foundation suspension.
Excessive air humidity and lack of light can cause gray mold. They struggle with it by airing the room and spraying with euparine, polymarcine, foundationol, topsin-M, captan, zineb.
Of course, growing a violet at home is not easy, but what other flower will give you such delicate beauty?
