Violets ampelous
These are miniature plants with small and most often monochromatic flowers. There are creeping ampelous forms. They very quickly form a beautiful rug from the shoots. Ampel violets are distinguished by long stems, which sometimes reach 50 cm. These plants bloom profusely. They are most often used to decorate the upper tiers of balconies and loggias, building facades. They are grown in hanging baskets or pots. It is advisable to plant at least three plants in one pot. In this case, they form a dense, beautiful cascade of flowers and leaves.
And now we want to introduce you to some of the popular varieties of violets.
"Balchug flight"
A magnificent stable chimera with a small, even rosette. Propagated by stepchildren of the outlet or from the trunk. As a rule, there are a lot of them. The flower grows quickly and starts flowering early. Blooms profusely and often. At the first flowering, the flowers are usually simple, and then they become semi-double. For such a miniature outlet, the flowers are quite large. Peduncles are erect, strong. Each of them contains from 3 to 7 flowers, which last for a very long time, forming a luxurious bouquet that closes the outlet.
This violet is completely unpretentious in care. The description of the variety and the reviews of the owners allow us to recommend it even to novice collectors. For abundant and long-lasting flowering, good lighting is needed - up to twelve hours a day.
Violet SM-Our hope: description and cultivation of the variety
Saintpaulia is a beautiful herbaceous plant. East Africa is considered her homeland. Saintpaulia is the most popular houseplant today. Among amateur flower growers, it is known as the uzambar violet. This article discusses the SM-Nasha Nadezhda variety, which has its fans among connoisseurs of indoor flowers.
Peculiarities
The description of the variety says that this violet is distinguished by large flowers-stars with a rich crimson outline, which can be simple or semi-double. The flower resembles a lotus in shape. Medium green foliage. The bloom is quite strong, in clusters.
Violet CM-Our hope does not like drafts and cold. Because of this, when airing it, it must be removed from the windowsill. The optimum temperature for her in the summer season is + 25 ° С, and in the winter - at least + 18 ° С. You cannot keep a flower near a cold window in winter, because this causes hypothermia of the roots.
Violet loves humid air very much. The higher the moisture readings, the better for the plant. In summer, containers with saintpaulia are placed in a container with wet sphagnum or expanded clay. In winter, when the heating is on, it is also necessary to maintain a high level of humidity around the crop pot. It is undesirable to spray the violet, as the liquid leaves spots on the leaves, which makes the appearance of the culture unattractive. Air irrigation is carried out at a distance of about 2 meters from the flower.
Planting and replanting
For Saintpaulia CM-Our hope, you can prepare the substrate with your own hands, although ready-made options are also offered at retail outlets. Violet likes loose soil. To prepare the substrate, take the following elements in fractions of 3: 5: 1:
This will promote better root development. They plant a violet in a not very spacious container, because it blooms only in a cramped pot. Before planting a flower, holes are punched in the bottom of the container so that all excess moisture flows into the pan, and the root system does not rot. In addition, drainage must be provided.
Saintpaulia is transplanted once every 36 months. But if the plant is young, then it should be replanted every 12 months. In this case, the substrate must be changed.The procedure is carried out in the spring season.
The initial stage of fertilization is spring, when intensive flower growth is observed. The second time is applied after the saintpaulia has completely bloomed. Fertilize the plant 1 time in half a month. In winter, fertilization should be stopped.
Violet has special requirements for watering, which will change in accordance with the maintenance standards. It depends on the humidity and temperature in the room. Watering is necessary with settled water at room temperature when the soil dries out. In winter, watering should be carried out three times every 7 days, and in summer - every day or every two days. Stagnation of moisture must not be allowed: this will lead to rotting of the underground part of the plant. You should use a watering can with a narrow spout so that the water bypasses the leaves and the center of the flower, otherwise it will slow down the growth point.
Some people use another method of saturating the plant with moisture - through the pallet. Water is poured into it, and then a container with a violet is lowered there. The roots absorb the amount of water they put in, and after half an hour, excess moisture is drained.
Reproduction
There are two ways to breed violets, both of which have their own nuances. Cutting is the most difficult option. Leaves are cut off from an adult plant. Root them in liquid or loose soil. Here it is advisable to ensure that the lower part of the stem does not rot. The second breeding method is pinching. In this case, the stepsons are separated and put in another container.
For information on how to rejuvenate the “Our Hope” violet, see the next video.
Growing in personal plots
The field violet is one of the most popular flowers that are grown in home gardens. This is due mainly to two factors:
- The aesthetic appeal of the flower;
- Long flowering period.
This popularity is due to:
- Simplicity of care;
- And the propagation of a wildflower;
- As well as its decorative capabilities.
Reproduction methods
A perennial plant propagates with the help of seeds that are in the closed buds of the plant. And, if in natural conditions the flowers are prone to self-propagation, then when grown at home:
- Seeds must be planted in the ground;
-
And provide an active watering mode until the seed begins to germinate.
It is also possible to transplant a culture from a forest or field area.
Reproduction from seeds
When growing an adult plant from seeds, the planting material is first placed in a flower pot, or other small container. Then the mode of watering and lighting is set - natural for indoor violets. After the seed has germinated:
- The sprout is planted in open ground;
- And they establish a natural irrigation regime.
What kind of soil does he prefer?
For violets, mixed soil is acceptable, which includes:
- Black soil;
- Sand;
- And tree moss.
Also, the field beauty develops well in the soil, which includes expanded clay, or other drainage.
Care
If grown outdoors, the field violet should be regularly watered - at least 1-2 times a week. If the flower is grown in a pot, as a houseplant - in addition to watering, it is also necessary:
- Control the lighting mode;
- And maintain air humidity of at least 70-80%.
Features of flowering and growth
One of the advantages of the field violet is the duration of its flowering. The flowering period for this variety begins in May and ends in early autumn.
Plant care at home
Saintpaulias are often found in homes and offices.
Caring for them is simple, the most important:
Attention;
And an individual approach to each plant.
Saintpaulia needs proper care.
In order for violets to delight with abundant flowering, beautiful foliage, provide them with:
- Correct care;
- And optimal conditions.
Proper watering and feeding
Violets are watered only when the top layer of soil in the pot is dry. An individual approach is important here.Plants of different ages, sizes, living in different soil, need watering at different intervals.
Watering all the Saintpaulias of the collection at the same time, you run the risk of:
- Pour some of them;
- And dry others.
Water for irrigation must be allowed to settle for at least 6 hours. During this time:
- Residual chlorine will go away;
- The temperature will be equal to room temperature.
It is advisable to choose liquid fertilizers as top dressing. When applying fertilizers, they are guided by the following rules:
- The introduction of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is necessary only during the period of active growth;
- For long-term, abundant flowering, the plant needs potassium and phosphorus;
- Trace elements will help to cope with adverse conditions of detention;
- When choosing between feeding and transplanting, choose a transplant.
Lighting and temperature
Violets prefer bright, but diffused sunlight. If it is not possible to put the pots on the east or west window, use a phytolamp. In any case, the daylight hours for these flowers should be at least 10 hours.
In winter, the violet needs additional lighting.
In low light:
- The petioles are stretched;
- The outlet becomes spreading;
- The flower loses its decorative effect.
Air humidity
A resident of river coasts, Saintpaulia, is very demanding on the moisture content in the air and substrate. These flowers feel best when the air humidity is 50-60%. A healthy adult violet, with regular watering and optimal lighting, feels good at 40%.
What kind of soil does he prefer?
The composition of soils for Saintpaulias must necessarily contain high moor peat. Based on the experience of flower growers, purchased soil is rarely suitable for Saintpaulias.
The soil in which the violet will grow must meet the following requirements:
- Absorbs moisture well;
- Be light, breathable;
- It should have a sufficient content of macro and microelements, while there should not be an excess of nitrogen;
- pH 5.5 to 6.5;
- Lack of pests and diseases.
When composing a potting soil mixture for violets on your own, there are two approaches:
- The simplest mixture of high-moor peat and rippers (vermiculite, perlite, charcoal). For good growth in such soil, plants will need regular feeding;
- Complex, chemically balanced mixture. When using it, top dressing is practically not required.
Pruning and hygiene
An adult violet must be formed. The rosette leaves should overlap each other, like roof shingles. Peduncles are formed in the leaf axils. Therefore, without a healthy strong rosette of leaves, active flowering cannot be achieved.
You need to trim Saintpaulia carefully.
Usually, when forming a bush, 3-4 tiers of leaves are left. The lower ones begin to fade over time, turn pale. Such leaves are removed, as well as:
Dust accumulating on the fluffy leaves of violets:
- Spoils the appearance;
- And it worsens the respiration of the plant.
A hygienic shower will help get rid of it. After protecting the soil with a film, rinse each leaf under a thin stream of warm water. After showering, be sure to let the flowers dry in the shade.
Reproduction methods
The variety reproduces well vegetatively. The simplest ways:
- Leafy cutting. You can root the leaf in water and in the ground. Roots and babies form very quickly;
- Children. They are formed on Our Hope in large quantities, so such reproduction will not be difficult. The baby grows roots even faster than leaf cuttings.
Transplant rules, rejuvenation
Saintpaulias are transplanted quite often. Ideally, transshipment should be done annually. Staying in the same soil for more than two years, the plant loses its decorative effect. The diameter of the pot is left the same during transplantation. Violets endure this procedure most easily in March.
The main task of transplanting is to stimulate the formation of a young root system, which will give strength for the growth of strong leaves and peduncles.
A transplant is an excellent reason to rejuvenate a plant; it is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- The soil should be dried so as not to damage the roots during transplantation;
- Take out the root system, free it from the old substrate;
- Cut off old leaves and roots;
- Place the violet in fresh soil, sprinkle with earth to the leaves;
- After a day, you can water the flower and top up the soil.
Fragrant violet (Viola odorata)
It is known that this particular species was introduced into culture in 1542 by monks in the territories of European monasteries. Currently, it is called the English violet, garden, candy. She comes from southern and western Europe.
Fragrant violet, photo by the author
A rhizome semi-evergreen perennial 20 cm high and 30 cm wide, with a thick creeping rhizome, numerous rosettes of basal heart-shaped leaves, aerial shoots rooting in nodes, and single flowers up to 2.5 cm in diameter.In our place, on the southern coast of Crimea, it hibernates without hiding places while staying green. Already in March, at my dacha, it blooms with inky fragrant flowers on low (10-15 cm) peduncles. In central Russia, the main flowering occurs in April - May, a second wave may come at the end of summer.
Decorative varieties:
‘Christmas’ - white flowers;
Fragrant violet 'Christmas'. Photo from the site vivaipriola.it
‘Coeur d’Alsace’ - pink flowers;
Fragrant violet 'Coeur d'Alsace'.
‘Red Charm’ - flowers are red-purple and others.
Fragrant violet 'Red Charm'.
The specific delicate and delicate aroma of fragrant violets is liked by many summer residents. Some ladies prefer to hear its notes at any time of the year in their favorite fragrances: “Champs-Elysees”, “Violette”, “Fidele Violette” and others.
Fragrant violet, photo by the author. Perfume "Champs-Elysees".
Long ago, Parma violets were popular, which in winter were everywhere driven out in greenhouses, greenhouses. Their unique sweetish aroma belongs to the world famous Parma variety of the fragrant violet (Viola odorata var. Parmensis).