Viola riviniana aka Wood Violet

Taxonomy

Viola riviniana, commonly known as the common dog-violet or wood violet, is a beautiful perennial flowering plant native to Eurasia and Africa. It can be found in woodland edges, grasslands, and shady hedge banks, thriving in all soil types except those that are acidic or very wet. This species produces multiple violet-colored flowers in May and June and grows up to 10 cm tall and 50 cm broad. Viola riviniana was even voted the county flower of Lincolnshire in 2002. In Finland, the plant blooms during the end of spring and the beginning of summer, and it attracts pollinators such as bees and moths. It is a hermaphrodite and is self-fertile, making it perfect for attracting wildlife. Common dog violet prefers moist soil and can grow in semi-shade or no shade. Removing wild violets can be done by hand, but sometimes chemical herbicides are necessary for complete eradication. On the other hand, Common Dog Violet is a super rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive. It does well in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot away from a window. This plant likes soil that is well-draining and does not need added fertilizers if you repot it each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Wood Violet, Common Dog Violet, Dog Violet

How to care for Wood Violet

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Wood Violet is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

Wood 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

Wood Violet requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Common Dog Violet is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Wood Violet does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Wood Violet should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Wood Violet’s native range is Temperate Northern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia