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Description
Hottonia Palustris, commonly known as water violet, is a species of aquatic plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and can be found in shallow streams, ponds, and marshes. The plant has delicate, feathery leaves that grow in whorls around the stem. It produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Hottonia |
| Species | Hottonia Palustris |
Appearance
Water violet has feathery leaves that grow in whorls around the stem, giving the plant a delicate and graceful appearance. The leaves are light green in color and can grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers have five petals and a yellow center, and are held above the water on a thin stem.
Care Guide
Water violet is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements:
- Water: Water violet is an aquatic plant and needs to be grown in water. It prefers shallow, still or slow-moving water.
- Fertilization: Water violet does not require much fertilization. You can add a slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablet to the water once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Water violet does not require soil, but you can anchor the plant in a container filled with gravel or sand to keep it in place.
- Sunlight: Water violet prefers partial shade to full sun. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow and die.
- Hardiness Zones: Water violet is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Water violet is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or if the water is stagnant. To prevent root rot, make sure the water is circulating and change it regularly. If you notice any yellowing or wilting of the leaves, check the roots for signs of rot.
Habitat
Water violet is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in shallow streams, ponds, and marshes. It prefers still or slow-moving water and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including acidic or alkaline water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can water violet be grown in a pond?
A: Yes, water violet can be grown in a pond as long as the water is shallow and still or slow-moving.
Q: How often should I change the water for my water violet?
A: You should change the water for your water violet once a week to prevent stagnant water and root rot.
Q: Can water violet be grown in a container?
A: Yes, water violet can be grown in a container filled with gravel or sand to anchor the plant in place.
Q: Does water violet require fertilizer?
A: Water violet does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablet to the water once a month during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Hottonia Palustris Alba
- Hottonia Sibthorpioides
- Primula Veris
- Primula Auricula
References
- “Hottonia Palustris.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 24 August 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=q820>
- “Hottonia Palustris.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 24 August 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/6317/Hottonia-palustris/Details>
- “Hottonia Palustris.” The Plant List. Accessed 24 August 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2856194>
