Viola reichenbachiana aka Early Dog Violet

Taxonomy

Viola reichenbachiana, or the early dog-violet, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the Viola genus that typically grows in deciduous woodland and hedge banks. This species is also known as the pale wood violet, slender wood violet, hedge violet, or wood dog violet. It is widely recognized for its purple petals and lack of scent, leading to its name "dog violet." This plant is named after 19th century botanist Ludwig Reichenbach and is hardy to zone (UK) 8. It typically flowers from March to May and is known to hybridize with Viola riviniana to produce Viola × bavarica. Early Dog Violet is a super rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering, direct light, and well-draining soil. Fertilizers are generally unnecessary if the plant is repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Early Dog Violet, Wood Dog Violet, Pale Wood Violet

How to care for Early Dog Violet

Difficulty

Early Dog Violet presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Early Dog Violet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Early Dog Violet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Early Dog Violet thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Pale Wood Violet.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Early Dog Violet to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Early Dog Violet. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Early Dog Violet is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Early Dog Violet’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia