Origin
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Violaceae family. The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in various regions of the United States, including the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and western states.
Common Names
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata is commonly known by a variety of names, including Lance-leaved Violet, Bog White Violet, Striped Cream Violet or Striped Violet.
Appearance
The plant grows up to a foot tall and can spread up to 18 inches wide. The leaves are lance-shaped with a jagged edge and are a light green color. The flowers are small, about half an inch wide, and have five petals that are cream-colored with light purple veins. The plant blooms from April to July.
Uses
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata has a few uses including serving as an ornamental plant due to its pretty flowers. It is also a food source for some native wildlife species, including caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat cold and cough symptoms. However, it is essential to emphasize that the use of Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata for medicinal purposes should only be done under the guidance of a trained herbalist or physician.
Light Requirements
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata requires full sunlight to thrive. However, in regions with hot summer temperatures, the plant may benefit from partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. When cultivated indoors, the plant will perform best when placed near a sunny window or under artificial lighting that simulates natural sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal growing conditions for Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata are those with moderate temperatures. The plant can survive in temperatures ranging from -33°C to 38°C, but it will not grow well outside of its ideal range of 10°C to 27°C. In cooler temperatures, the plant may slow down its growth, while in hotter temperatures, the plant may shut down altogether. Adequate ventilation and air circulation can help moderate extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil Requirements
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.5 to 7.5, although the plant can tolerate slightly acidic or alkaline soils. The plant does not thrive in waterlogged soils and prefers consistently moist, but not soggy soils. If grown in containers, it is recommended to use a high-quality potting mix that contains perlite or vermiculite to ensure adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell is commonly known as Bog white violet and is native to North America. It is a perennial plant that thrives in moist and shady areas. To cultivate this plant, you need to choose a location where the plant will have access to indirect sunlight, as well as shade during the hottest parts of the day. The soil must be fertile, acidic, and well-draining. You can plant the seeds in the fall or early spring, preferably in damp soil.
It is also essential to prepare the planting site before sowing the seeds. You can do this by clearing away any debris, rototilling the soil, and amending the soil's pH level if necessary. Keep the soil moist but not water-logged during the germination period. Once the plants have sprouted, you can reduce watering frequency.
Watering Needs
As mentioned earlier, Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell thrives in moist soil. Therefore, regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, disease, or even death of the plant. You can water the plant deeply once a week during the summer months and less frequently during cooler months.
However, every plant has different watering needs. Therefore, you should observe your plant's behavior and adjust the watering frequency accordingly. For instance, if the plant's leaves start to wilt, it is a sign of under-watering. On the other hand, yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering.
Fertilization
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can fertilize it once or twice a year to promote growth and vibrant blooms. The best time to fertilize the plant is during the early growth stages, either in early spring or late fall. You can use compost or slow-release granular fertilizer.
When using fertilizers, ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to the build-up of salt and the death of the plant. It is also essential to water the plant immediately after fertilizing to prevent the roots from burning.
Pruning
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell does not require frequent pruning. However, if it starts to outgrow its space or the leaves start to wither and die, you can prune back the dead foliage to encourage new growth and promote better aesthetics. You can also remove any spent blooms to prevent seeding and encourage the plant to focus its energy on new foliage growth.
When pruning, ensure that you use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also essential to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid injuring the plant or triggering new growth during the dormant season.
Propagation of Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell
There are several methods of propagating Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell. These include seed propagation, division of the plant, and rooting stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell can be done either indoors or outdoors. Seeds should be collected from mature plants in the late summer or early fall. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden soil in the fall or early spring. They should be sown in a well-drained soil mix that is lightly moistened. The seeds require light for germination, so they should not be covered with soil. Germination will occur within 2-3 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted after the last frost in the spring.
Division
Division of Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell can be done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and the root ball should be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the root, stem, and several leaves. The sections should be replanted in a well-drained soil mix and watered thoroughly. Plants should be kept in a partially shaded location until they become established.
Rooting Stem Cuttings
Rooting stem cuttings is another method of propagating Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 3-5 inches long, and should have at least one node. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves near the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and the cutting in a partially shaded location until roots have formed.
Disease Management
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell is generally a low-maintenance plant, but it can fall victim to a few diseases. Two common diseases to watch out for are:
- Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea) - This is a fungal disease that typically affects the flowers and leaves of the plant. Gray mold appears as brown spots with gray fuzzy patches on them. Remove any infected areas immediately and provide proper air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Root Rot (Phytophthora cactorum) - This is also a fungal disease which can be caused by overwatering, poorly-draining soil, and lack of sunlight. To avoid this disease, make sure the plant is growing in well-draining soil and that it is not overwatered.
If you notice any signs of these diseases, promptly remove any affected parts of the plant, and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell is relatively resistant to pests, but it can still fall prey to a few common ones, such as:
- Aphids - These are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found on the underside of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and can cause it to wither and die. One of the best methods to control aphids is to introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Alternatively, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap solution.
- Spider Mites - These are tiny, spider-like creatures that can be found on the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellow or brown spots to appear on the leaves. To control these pests, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap solution or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
- Slugs and Snails - These are common garden pests that feed on the leaves and flowers of Viola lanceolata L. ssp. vittata (Greene) Russell. They usually appear at night. To control them, surround your plants with copper strips or diatomaceous earth. You can also use slug and snail bait.
Regularly check your plant for any signs of pest infestation. If any of the pests are detected, quickly apply appropriate measures to stop them from causing more damage to your plant.
