Violet Aphrodite

Violets for many decades to this day are considered not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most popular flower families. They were cultivated by our great-grandfathers, and we continue to plant them on our balconies. This plant is of no less interest to breeders. And therefore, for all the time that violets conquer the hearts of people, a huge number of genera, species and varieties have appeared. We will talk about one of them in more detail in this article, and this is the violet Aphrodite.

We will tell you everything: from how to plant, grow and properly care for this lovely flower, to various interesting facts and the best varieties of the magnificent violet of Aphrodite.

Did you know?

This flower was first studied and described by a famous German botanist named Walter Saint-Paul. This discovery, which truly changed the world of botany and floristry, was made in 1892. By the way, the flower itself is often called by the name of its creator himself, namely, saintpaulia. However, you may well not have heard this interesting name for the violet.

Violet Aphrodite: plant description

Violet Aphrodite: photo of the variety

Violet Aphrodite is a herbaceous and perennial plant, and therefore you do not have to bother with planting new seeds or seedlings every season. The stem is significantly shortened, which can be observed by looking at other violet-like flowers. Of them, and there are quite a few of them, by the way, a basal rosette is formed, on which delicate and beautiful leaves are formed.

As for the overall size of one single bush, they can be estimated from twenty to thirty centimeters. At the same time, it should be noted that they remain rather wide, since the width of the rosette almost always coincides with the length of the stems, and sometimes even exceeds it. If we talk about the leaves, it should be noted that they have a very geometrically regular shape in the form of a circle, which is slightly pointed at the end.

Speaking about color, you can pay attention to the fact that it is not constant and differs from species to species and from variety to variety. However, most often the leaves of this plant acquire a bright green color. Some species are distinguished by the presence of small villi. The root system of the violet of Aphrodite is quite large, reliable and strong. In addition, it has a huge number of branches, and therefore the plant sits very firmly in the ground.

In addition to the stems in the outlet, of course, peduncles develop, on which what is formed for which the plant is directly loved - flowers, which can reach up to nine centimeters in diameter. In addition, they are very curvy and terry. Inflorescences of violets do not differ in particular accuracy or splendor. Nevertheless, even two or three of these flowers, put together, look very beautiful.

Speaking of petals, it should be noted that they, like the leaves of a plant, have a circular shape. However, unlike the leaves, the petals of Aphrodite are wavy, and their shade varies much more than that of the leaves. For example, scientists have long bred hybrids that have a pink tint of petals. There are also varieties that are painted in almost all shades of blue: from purple and purple, to blue and even blue. You can also find almost snow-white violets.

It should also please those who do not like to take care of the flower all year long only so that it blooms for only a week.Violet Aphrodite blooms almost throughout the year, however, of course, some periods are much more active and effective. Of course, such months are all summer months, as well as spring and autumn. During all this time, it is simply impossible to take your eyes off the flowers.

In winter, their number is significantly reduced, but, nevertheless, the plant continues to delight the eye with its beauty. As for the number of flowers, it, of course, varies greatly, depending on the variety, species or subspecies. However, if you give the average values, then we can say that the number of flowers rarely exceeds a hundred, but it is never less than fifty. In any case, there will definitely be enough of them to easily decorate any place.

By the way, you probably noticed that we very often mention various types and varieties of violets, among which there are both natural and hybrid ones. However, of course, they are all descendants of one of the wild types of violets. In order to meet him, you will have to visit the wild tropical forests of Africa, which at the moment is considered not only the native, but also the only home of this plant, since no data has yet confirmed the presence of this plant anywhere else.

As for Aphrodite herself, she was bred by breeding thanks to Russian breeders, thanks to whom she is still considered one of the best species of violets in existence. In addition, there are a huge number of hybrids, the ancestor of which is the violet Aphrodite, which already speaks of the popularity and quality of this flower.

How to grow the violet variety Aphrodite at home

Violet Aphrodite: photo of the variety

In fact, you should not have any difficulties with home cultivation of the Aphrodite violet variety. This plant grows very well in a room, and it is - even in spite of its rather large flowers. In the end, the dimensions of the flower cannot be called huge for sure, and therefore the violet Aphrodite fits perfectly on any windowsill.

Nevertheless, in order for the violet Aphrodite not only to exist in your home, but to really grow, bloom and enjoy life, then you will have to provide it with conditions very close to those in which it grows in the wild. Otherwise, the plant, although it will not die, will feel very sluggish, and the flowers will appear in extremely scarce quantities and dim colors.

Did you know?

In ancient Greece, violets brought from hot countries were used not only as an ornamental home plant, but also as cult flowers. They were often used to decorate temples and churches. In addition, violets were very often brought to sculptures and monuments, and, accordingly, a gift in the form of this plant was considered very expensive and prestigious.

How the violet Aphrodite reacts to light

It is not only your technique of growing this plant that is incredibly important, but even where it is located. However, we are unlikely to surprise experienced gardeners with this fact, but for beginners who have decided to cultivate a plant so difficult to care for, it will be very useful to know the following.

Despite the fact that plants seem to love the sun very much, an overabundance of its radiation can be very, very harmful for them. Especially for delicate violets, on the surface of which very unpleasant burns may well appear. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to very competently choose a place for planting a flower.

Namely, now we are talking about the orientation of the window, since the lack of light is also unlikely to have a good effect on the Aphrodite violet variety growing in the back of the room. In no case should you put it on the south window, since there it will constantly be under huge doses of ultraviolet radiation, and even if it seems to you that it is not so hot and bright there, it is better not to risk it.

After all, you are not a flower and do not live on a windowsill, and therefore judging solely by your feelings is not a good idea. A much better choice would be a west or east orientation window.

Southeast or southwest directions may also be suitable, however, northern windows, on the contrary, are of little use for violets: there will be too little light, and the plant will be very lethargic and frail.

Temperature and humidity

Absolutely all violets are quite sensitive to the temperature at which they grow, and therefore the violet Aphrodite was no exception. However, its thermophilicity only means that it cannot tolerate cold, and not at all that it should be kept at temperatures below thirty degrees Celsius.

In fact, you may well apply the following rule to violets: if you are comfortable in the room, then they will be comfortable too. And this means that the temperature, logically, should be room temperature (from twenty to twenty-five degrees).

On the one hand, a small increase in temperature will not entail dire consequences. On the contrary, a decrease in temperature can lead to inhibition of the growth and development of the flower, and there is also a great risk that the flowers of the violet will not bloom at all.

Therefore, the temperature regime should not be neglected, although small deviations, obviously, are not fatal. As for the humidity, it should not be too much, despite the fact that it is extremely counterintuitive, because the flower grows in tropical forests.

However, fifty to seventy percent of the moisture content in the air should be sufficient. For successful moisturizing, you can purchase a special sprinkler that will carry out this procedure completely without your participation.

However, those who like to care for flowers on their own can use a spray bottle. However, in this case, try to make sure that too large drops of water do not fall on the flower - this can harm it.

Basic rules of care

Violet Aphrodite: photo

In order for the Aphrodite violet variety to grow conveniently and comfortably in your home, you should follow not only the above instructions for arranging her place of residence, but also provide her with good care and care. However, it should be noted that many gardeners consider the violet to be a rather unpretentious plant.

Perhaps this, of course, is so, however, if you are still a beginner in this business, you may well have serious difficulties and questions while working with this flower. Therefore, we present you with detailed instructions on how not to let the violet Aphrodite not only grow on your window for a long time, but also bloom successfully and never get sick. Once you become familiar with it, grooming will truly become an easy and relaxed activity, for which the flower will reward you with its beauty and radiance.

Watering violet varieties Aphrodite

In order to water the violet only when it is necessary, you will need the ability to observe and analyze the moisture content of the substrate. The fact is that this flower, like most others, by the way, requires a golden mean, in which the earth will not be too waterlogged, which can cause root rot to develop, but not too dry, which is why the plant itself dries up.

Therefore, unfortunately, it is very difficult to designate any clear terms for watering. It all depends on the moisture content of the substrate. And it depends on how hot it is outside, how quickly the flower drinks, and so on. Nevertheless, we will try to give an approximate watering schedule for absolutely moderate weather: it is foreseen twice a week (once every 3-4 days), but this value may vary.

For example, if it was hot for several days, the next watering should be moved a couple of days, but if it was pretty cool, then watering can be postponed for a while. And, of course, do not forget to carefully monitor the substrate.However, only at first this procedure seems difficult and incomprehensible. Within a month or two, you yourself will be able to easily navigate when the plant needs to be watered, and when it is better to refrain from this.

According to completely different rules, however, watering is carried out in winter. The fact is that at this time the plant is much less active and spends much less energy, and therefore, of course, it needs much less water. Consequently, watering is also reduced to once a week.

Useful advice: If you are not at all familiar with when to water your violet, we advise you to do the following: wait until the surface of the substrate is completely dry and water it very abundantly. After that, do the same several more times, along the way writing down how much it takes to dry the soil, and how much it depends on external conditions.

After a few such weeks, stop exhausting the plant and water a day or two before a dry crust is expected to appear on the surface of the potting mix. Of course, at the same time, the abundance of watering must be slightly reduced.

This way, you can create your own watering schedule that is perfect for your plant. However, most likely, it will not be too far from what we have proposed, and therefore experiment only if you are confident in your actions.

Now let's talk about the watering technique. Here we will find much less complex nuances and uncertainties, since the procedure is extremely simple and the most important thing in it is to try not to wet the leaves and flowers too much. A watering can with an oblong spout, ideal for watering flowers with dense foliage, blocking direct access to the ground, will help you with this.

Watering stops when and only when excessive moisture begins to emerge from the drainage holes. If you overdo it, and it turns out to be too much, we recommend that you drain the excess.

As for the water for irrigation, everything is pretty standard here. Of course, you can't just take tap water and water the flower with it. Water must be heated to the ambient temperature and stand for a day (less is possible).

Violet Aphrodite: feeding

Violet Aphrodite: photo

Violet Aphrodite is a rather sensitive plant to fertilizers, and therefore they are used mainly only in liquid form. Of course, you will find a lot of information that some growers are quite comfortable using solid fertilizers, but we still advise you to avoid them.

By the way, there is one more limitation regarding fertilizers. And, to be more precise, it concerns their concentration. The fact is that manufacturers indicate the recommended concentration of the drug is far from for such delicate flowers as a violet, and therefore it is desirable to halve it.

As for the frequency of fertilization of violets, then during the active growing season this is done once every one and a half weeks. On the other hand, during the dormant period, fertilizers should be completely abandoned.

Important! The above rules do not work if you have just transplanted a plant. And this does not depend at all on when the transplant was performed.

Regardless of whether the plant is in its most active growing season or dormant, fertilization is completely stopped for five to six weeks. Otherwise, the violet may simply not cope with the circumstances and die.

Pruning

Violet Aphrodite is a perennial ornamental plant, which means that pruning it is simply necessary. Of course, this reasoning is true only if you want your bush to be beautiful and have a large number of flowers, since it is pruning that ensures its correct growth and development.

Also, pruning the Aphrodite violet variety is very important to stimulate the growth of flowers.The fact is that if your plant contains old or damaged stems, the violet will still spend its strength and energy on them. We do not need this at all. After all, we want her to send all her strength only to healthy and promising flower stalks. This is where the need for pruning comes in.

As already mentioned, it is carried out exactly as needed and does not depend at all on the time of year. Also, as we said, old and damaged stems and peduncles are subject to removal. It also makes sense to get rid of oversized stems, as they obviously take away too much nutrients and energy from the violet.

A more advanced pruning technique also involves removing those parts of the shrub that interfere with the development of other parts of it. For example, stems that shade most of the flower with their leaves. Also, in addition to everything that was written above, it is worth observing the following pruning rules, which will help you not to harm the plant during this procedure.

First of all, it is worth remembering that the plant can also become infected with bacteria or viruses, which can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. Therefore, your goal is to do your best to prevent this by using an exceptionally clean tool and charcoal cutting.

In addition, the tool must be sharp so that you can remove the stem with just one cut. Otherwise, scars will form on the damaged tissues, which will definitely not help healing. When removing excess leaves, their stalk should be removed along with them, and when removing a whole stem, it is absolutely not necessary to leave small stubs: if you cut, then completely - under the outlet.

The only period when circumcision is not recommended at all is the rest period, since the procedure carried out at this time can very much harm the plant. Also, before the onset of this very period, it is advisable to carry out the last pruning, which implies thinning the bushes and getting rid of all faded peduncles.

Violet Aphrodite - replanting the plant

Violet Aphrodite: photo

Violet Aphrodite is not one of those plants that can constantly live and grow in the same pot, such as cacti. She constantly becomes cramped in her home, and therefore your task as an experienced and attentive florist is to provide her with a comfortable home. The procedure is carried out from one to two times a year, depending on how quickly the root system of the flower becomes cramped in its pot.

However, it is not a good idea to carry it out whenever it is available. The fact is that transplanting, of course, is a huge stress for the plant, which it can survive only at favorable times - in summer or spring.

Autumn transplant can pass with serious complications, and winter - and completely ruin the flower. It is also important to remember that transplantation is a great opportunity to carry out another procedure - rejuvenation. Of course, it makes no sense for a one-year-old flower to carry it out, but a violet that has lived for two or three years already needs it. This procedure consists in removing all old stems and shoots. Essentially, this is selective cropping.

Important! During transplantation, many growers are very fond of deepening the plant, but we assure you that this is not the best idea. At least when we talk about the violet. In no case should the outlet go deeper into the ground than it was in the previous pot. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for the flower to adapt.

The transplant procedure itself is carried out according to the following rules, which must be followed.

The bush must be removed from the substrate along with an earthen lump. Otherwise, you run a very high risk of damage to the root. It is advisable to remove the old soil and use a new one.Of course, this does not apply to the earthen clod surrounding the roots, however, the new soil will still greatly help the plant to take root in the new pot. This is necessary because over time the soil inevitably becomes poorer and, in order to prevent unpleasant consequences of this, we renew the soil in the pot.

After that, a new pot, already purchased and prepared for transplantation, is filled by a third with a new soil mixture and a violet with an earthen lump is placed in it. All gaps are very carefully and tightly filled until no gaps remain. This is very important, since otherwise the plant will not be provided with the necessary reliability, and over time it may well simply collapse.

By the way, we talked so much about the new substrate, but we didn't say a word about how to prepare it. To do this, you will need the following ingredients: peat, turf, vermiculite, leafy earth. You can also spread crushed sphagnum moss on the surface, which will help you prevent the soil from drying out. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, you can buy ready-made potting soil for ornamental crops in any garden store. You probably won't notice a big difference in quality, but you will save a lot of time.

Also, before planting with soil, you need to crank up some additional manipulations, namely, fertilize and loosen. As for the pot, it should be much larger than the previous one. In the event that the root was already quite cramped in the previous dwelling, the size of the pot can be increased up to five centimeters relative to the previous one.

Violet Aphrodite: reproduction at home

Violet propagation by leaf

It seems to many novice growers that reproduction in any non-seed way is an incredibly difficult and confusing operation, but this is not at all the case. In fact, if you thoroughly grasp the essence of the process, you may not encounter any difficulties at all.

Most often, when breeding violets, Aphrodite resorts to one of these three methods: leaves, stepsons or peduncles. Seeds, however, can also be propagated, but with this, oddly enough, you will have much more difficulties and problems. And germination will not be as impressive as one might think.

As for the timing, they should be the same as for the transplant, since both of these procedures are quite similar in nature. You separate the plant (or part of the plant) from its habitat and force it to adapt to a completely different and unfamiliar one.

If we are talking about the popularity and ease of execution, then the method of reproduction by a leaf is undoubtedly ahead of everyone, and therefore we will consider it in the first place and discuss all the nuances of its execution.

Reproduction of the violet of Aphrodite by a leaf

First of all, we, of course, need a piece of paper. You need to choose it very carefully, since, in fact, it is in a good, healthy and large sheet that almost half of the success of the entire operation lies. After the leaf has been selected, it should be very carefully and carefully cut off, while processing the cut site with chopped charcoal.

After that, it should be placed in warm water or soil for a while. After such a "bath" the leaf should be in a dry and warm place. There he can put down little roots. When this happens, the leaf can be transplanted into its own pot.

Soon, the leaf will have a stronger and more durable root system that will be able to shoot and after some time will turn into a full-fledged adult plant. In addition, a planted leaf requires minimal care, and therefore this method is the simplest and, at the same time, the most effective.

Reproduction of the violet variety of Aphrodite by stepchildren

This method of propagating violets is in second place in popularity, and it is carried out exclusively during pruning.

In order for the future bush to be healthy and strong, it is necessary to choose a young and undamaged part of the flower, which in the future can develop well and turn into a full-fledged violet.

Other characteristics that the stem of your choice should have is the presence of at least three at least healthy leaves, which will indicate that there will be no problems during cultivation, and the leaves will help to receive the sun's energy for growth.

In order for the cut stepson to take root well, you will have to plant him in a pot full of vermiculite. However, for the same purposes, you can use both well-fertilized soil and water. In such an environment, the stepson lasts for a week, after which he is transplanted into his own pot, where he will be cared for in the same way as for an ordinary adult plant.

Reproduction of violets of Aphrodite peduncles

An important rule when propagating violets with peduncles is that only those parts of the plant are selected that have already faded and will not have buds on themselves. Of course, the peduncle on which the largest and healthiest flower grew is chosen.

This peduncle is cut, and the place of the cut itself must be processed with charcoal. Further, the process is very similar to reproduction by stepsons. The peduncle is grown for a week or two in water or moist soil, where roots should form. As soon as this happens, the seedling dives into its own pot, where it is provided with proper care.

Reproduction of the violet of Aphrodite by seeds

As already mentioned, this breeding method of Aphrodite is far from the most popular. In principle, one can even say that he is the most unpopular, and there is a perfectly logical reason for this.

The fact is that this process is incredibly debt and complicated, and therefore not everyone will have sufficient professionalism and skills to simply bring this procedure to the end, let alone to carry it out effectively. In addition to the gardener's own skills, this operation also requires very strict adherence to the natural conditions for the growth of violets, which are sometimes simply impossible to achieve at home.

In addition, you will have a lot of trouble with the seeds, as they are very poorly stored and are very fragile. First of all, they will have to be soaked in water, after which they are enveloped with ash, and only then they can be sown. However, if you are still a skilled enough grower to do all this, then you will have to sow the seeds directly.

They are planted in a row method to a depth of about two centimeters. In this case, the distance between any two seeds should be from three doors to five centimeters. After planting is complete, the container is covered with glass or film, which will protect the seedlings.

The temperature of the content is also very important, and therefore the container with the seeds must be transferred to a place where the temperature does not drop below twenty-four degrees. However, they should not be fried either, and therefore temperatures above twenty-eight degrees are also undesirable. After the shoots appear, and at least half of them form from two to three leaves, the cover can be removed, and all borings can be dived into their own pots.

However, we remind you that this method is highly discouraged for beginners, and therefore we advise you to avoid it until you are ready and confident in your abilities. However, if you have a lot of free time, you can try your hand in this way, but only as an experiment.

Growing difficulties

In principle, if you follow all the rules for caring for a flower and do not make gross mistakes, then you should not have any problems. Nevertheless, none of us is immune from accident or from our own stupidity, and therefore sometimes we still have to eliminate unwanted problems.

We have tried to compile a list of the most common problems and provide methods for their resolution.

The first and most frequent problem that growers face when growing not only the violets of Aphrodite, but also when growing absolutely any pile of violets - various forms rot. They appear due to a fungus that develops very actively in an excessively humid environment. Of course, you have already understood what this is about.

Yes, this problem occurs with over-watering, and therefore the best method of dealing with it is prevention, which implies reasonable and correct watering. Nevertheless, if the problem has already arisen, then, of course, you will not leave the plant to its own devices.

First of all, of course, you need to eliminate the source of the disease, and, therefore, reduce watering within reasonable limits. Next comes the removal of infected areas and treatment of the plant with fungicides. However, unfortunately, sometimes it is not possible to respond to the problem in time, and there is nothing left to do but destroy the infected flower.

The next thing you may encounter is the same putrid lesions , but this time not a root, but foliage and stem... It is much easier to spot them, and therefore it is also easier to take countermeasures.

The main cause of the onset of the disease is a disease called late blight. It manifests itself when the soil is contaminated. Therefore, the first thing you should do is transplant the plant into a new pot and completely fill it with new potting soil.

It will also be useful to treat the plant with a drug called Fitosporin, which will provide you with confidence that the disease will not return soon.

The next problem, which is somewhat less common, is white spots on the foliage. This can happen for only one reason, and it is called powdery mildew... Unfortunately, preventing the onset of this disease is extremely difficult, but it is quite simple to deal with it.

It is enough just to treat the whole bush with the already mentioned preparation "Fitosporin". By the way, if some leaves look too affected, it is advisable to get rid of them.

The last problem, however, is far from being of importance - these are all kinds of insects and parasites... Unfortunately, you can't hide from them, just taking good care of your plant, and therefore the only thing left to do when they attack is to counterattack.

Almost any insecticide that will easily drive away the attack will help you with this. However, it is not necessary to use chemistry. It is quite possible to get by with the treatment with soapy water, but only if there are few insects.

All other problems that may arise during cultivation are either extremely unlikely, or they will kill your flower so quickly that you will not even notice it, and therefore you will not be able to fight them. Therefore, we did not include them in the list.

Conclusion

Violet Aphrodite is a very good home flower, which, of course, if you take good care of it, will be able to delight you with its bright flowering for more than one year. Of course, caring for the Aphrodite violet variety is not easy, but growing this flower can also be a great lesson for you, thanks to which you develop your skills and can tame even the most picky orchid.

We hope we have given you enough information in this article so that you will not encounter any difficulties in planting, growing, or in any procedure associated with the stunning Aphrodite violet. Perhaps all that remains is to wish you good luck.