How to Care for Potted Violas
As a star plant of windowsill gardening, potted violas are deeply loved for their elegant flower posture and long flowering period. To keep this perennial herbaceous plant blooming continuously, it is necessary to master the complete care system from selecting seedlings to harvesting. This article will systematically analyze the key points of home potted cultivation from six dimensions.
Basic Preparation for Viola Cultivation
Selection of Varieties and Seedling Filtering
Choosing double矮生 varieties with a plant height of 15-25cm is easier to shape. High-quality seedlings should have elliptical leaves with wavy edges and light green leaves with villi, avoiding weak seedlings with thin and long stems or yellow leaves.
Container and Substrate Ratio
A terracotta pot with a diameter of 25cm is most beneficial for root development. The substrate is prepared according to the ratio of decomposed leaf soil: peat: river sand = 2:2:1, with 50g of bone meal added per cubic meter as a base fertilizer. Plant 3 seedlings per pot to form a full plant shape, taking care to maintain a 5cm root spacing.
Regulation of Viola Growing Environment
Light and Temperature Double Factor Management
Receiving 4 hours of scattered light daily is optimal, and strong light needs to be filtered with a shading net in summer. Maintain a constant temperature environment of 18-24°C, not lower than 12°C in winter, and spray to cool in summer to avoid high-temperature dormancy.
How to Care for Potted Violas
Water Supply Rhythm
Use the "dry-wet" method, watering thoroughly when the top 2cm of soil is dry. Use a long-spout pot to pour water along the pot wall, avoiding water accumulation in the leaf center. Maintain air humidity at 60%-70%, which can be adjusted by placing wet pebbles in a tray.
Nutrition Management for Violas
Scientific Fertilization Plan
Apply a liquid fertilizer with N-P-K=10-10-10 every 10 days during the growing period, and switch to applying monopotassium phosphate (1:1000) during the bud formation stage. Stop fertilizing in winter, and after flowering, supplement with decomposed soy cake water to promote rejuvenation.
Plant Shape Control Technique
Pinch the seedlings for the first time when they have 9 true leaves, leaving 4 pairs of leaves. Set up bamboo stakes for support when the plant reaches 40cm high and tie them with an ∞ shape using eco-friendly twine. Timely remove yellow leaves from the base to maintain ventilation and light.
Continuous Care for Violas
Timely remove the spent flower stems after flowering, leaving a 15cm main stem. Harvest the seed pods when they turn yellow and store them in a bag in a cool, dry place. Repot every two years in spring, pruning 1/3 of the old roots and adding new substrate. Through systematic care, potted violas can continue to bloom for 3-5 years.