Care of the plant Exacum affine or Persian violet |
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The genus Exacum, family Gentianaceae, comprises 100 species of herbaceous plants native to Asia. Some species are: Exacum affine, Exacum socotranum, Exacum tinervium, Exacum caeruleum. Common names: Persian violet, German Violet and Tiddly-Winks. This species is native to the Arabian Peninsula. They are small perennial plants that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have many branches and glossy leaves of oval shape and 3 cm (1.18") in length. The small but abundant flowers are lilac, white or purple in color and produce a pleasant scent, especially at night. They bloom from spring to fall. They are used in pots for terraces, patios and balconies and as indoor or greenhouse plants. Once flowering is over, they are usually discarded. Exacum affine requires semi-shade exposure, average annual temperatures of 18-23 ºC (64-73 ºF) and high humidity. The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of leaf mulch, coarse sand, and peat. Water (with water without lime) abundantly so that the substrate is always humid but without flooding. Place wet gravel in a plate under the pot and spray the plant with lime-free water in summer. Fertilize during flowering every 15 days with mineral fertilizer. Prune faded flowers so that the plant produces new flowers. They are not worth propagating from seed; it's best to buy new specimens at garden centers, nurseries, and plant stores. |
Images of the plant Exacum affine or Persian violet |
 Exacum affine  Exacum affine  Exacum affine |