Contents
Description
Viola Lactea, commonly known as Milky Dwarf Violet, is a small perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Violaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The plant has several medicinal properties and has been used to treat various ailments like respiratory problems, skin diseases, and stomach disorders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Violaceae |
| Genus | Viola |
Appearance
Viola Lactea grows up to 15 cm tall and has a spreading habit. The plant has a rhizomatous root system and produces clustered flowers that are 2-3 cm in diameter. The flowers are white with purple veins and have a sweet fragrance. The leaves of the plant are heart-shaped, glossy, and have toothed margins. The plant blooms from early spring to late summer and requires regular deadheading to promote more blooms.
Care Guide
Viola Lactea requires moderate care and is relatively easy to grow. Here are some care tips for this plant:
Water: The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good quality potting mix that is specifically formulated for flowering plants.
Sunlight: Viola Lactea prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during hot summer days.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can tolerate frost and cold temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viola Lactea is susceptible to several pests and diseases that can affect its growth and blooming. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Pests: The plant is prone to aphids, slugs, and snails. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids, and handpick slugs and snails to prevent damage to the plant.
Diseases: The plant is susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Use a fungicide to treat powdery mildew and leaf spot, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Habitat
Viola Lactea is native to Europe and Asia and grows in a variety of habitats like woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures and frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Viola Lactea grow in full sun?
A: Viola Lactea prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight during hot summer days.
Q: How often should I water Viola Lactea?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather, to keep the soil moist.
Q: What type of soil does Viola Lactea prefer?
A: Viola Lactea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a good quality potting mix that is specifically formulated for flowering plants.
Q: How can I prevent pests and diseases in Viola Lactea?
A: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests like aphids, and avoid overwatering to prevent diseases like root rot.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Viola Lactea:
- Viola odorata
- Viola tricolor
- Viola cornuta
- Viola sororia
References
- “Viola lactea.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277143&isprofile=0&=>
- “Viola lactea.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10867/i-Viola-lactea-i/Details>
- “Viola lactea.” The Plant List. Accessed August 2021. <http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2466465>
