The Violet of the Alps is a plant with beautiful flowers that come in various colors with a unique texture, which make it an ideal element to decorate both the interior of the house and the garden. But to enjoy this beauty, certain care and recommendations must be taken into account, that is why we present the following article, go ahead and read it and learn everything you need about this wonderful flower.
The Violet of the Alps
Alpine violet also known by its scientific name as Cyclamen persicum or winter flower, European cyclamen, pork loaf, antanita or Persian violet, belongs to the Ciclamen genus, that is, it is a tuber plant with bulbous characteristics that blooms in the autumn and winter months. It is native to Europe and Asia.
This plant has rhizomes, that is, it has underground stems that have several buds that grow horizontally indefinitely. It can reach a height of approximately 30 centimeters. This plant is conditioned to be both indoors and outdoors as long as it is given certain care. Because of its great beauty and shape, it is the ideal plant to decorate part of our home or garden.
Taxonomy
The alpine violet belongs to the kingdom plantae, which in turn has a subkingdom called tracheobionta, of the division magnoliophyta, of the class magnoliopsida, of the subclass dilleniidae, of the order ericales, family primulaceae and subfamily myrsinoideae of the genus cyclamen, species cyclamen persicum Mill.
Features
This beautiful plant has a flowering in various colors, pink, white, red, intense purple and in some cases combined. It consists of five articulated petals, with a sublime fragrance, which will be determined by the altitude and therefore the climate of where you are. Its flower is solitary with a strange downward shape and the petals with a gentle upward turn.
It has large, heart-shaped evergreen foliage with smooth, slightly jagged edges of a not too dark green hue with some whitish mottling and a purplish underside. The violet of the alps has the virtue of supporting and flourishing in cold climates but not freezing, that is to say that they oscillate between 15 and 20 degrees centigrade, as well as in rainy climates. Although it should be noted that there are plants that have managed to flourish in the snow, hence the association of its name with the Alps. The flower remains dormant during the hot, dry days of summer.
Types of Alpine Violet
The violet of the alps is a flower that has very peculiar characteristics, its elongated petals of beautiful shades, which in some cases turn pale and in other occasions are strong, this happens due to the height and climate of where the plant is located, It also has a pleasant and subtle fragrance. These come to be its most general properties. Now there are certain variations that make this plant have different sub-types such as:
Cyclamen persicum var. autumnalis
This form of Alpine violet, despite having the same characteristics of the original flower, has a very special variant that is the time of flowering. In the case of Cyclamen persicum var. autumnalis, the flowering time is in the autumn months and not in the spring as it happens with most of these plants.
Cyclamen persicum f. albidum
Cyclamen persicum f. albidum, is another way of presenting the violet of the alps, only in this case it maintains the original characteristics of the plant but with a notable variation in the tone of its flowers, since this species has a completely white flower with a dark pink base and in some cases it can be pale pink, this peculiarity makes it a unique, striking and highly decorative flower.
Cyclamen persicum f. roseum
In the case of Cyclamen persicum f. roseum, is a type of alpine violet that exhibits a dark and uniform color, usually pink, which makes it different in terms of the general characteristics of the plant.
Cyclamen persicum f. puniceum
Cyclamen persicum f. puniceum, is another way of presenting the violet of the alps, which even though it retains the basic characteristics, in this case the variation is referred to the intense red color that the plant shows, which makes it very spatial since this presentation is not common .
Cultivation forms
Cultivating the violet of the alps can become a simple activity, however, certain aspects must be taken into account to take care of in order to obtain beautiful specimens worthy of exhibiting. The main requirement of this plant is the climate and the soil where it is intended to be grown. As for the climate, it should be from temperate to cold, place it in semi-shade and without draughts, with well-drained but always moist soil. These basic conditions will guarantee excellent flowering. Now, to carry out the entire process correctly, here we will show you step by step how to do it.
Steps for an excellent crop
- When looking for an Alpine violet you should keep in mind that ideally the plant has not yet flowered.
- Use a narrow pot so that the plant feels comfortable and has good drainage.
- Then, to fill the pot, it is advisable to use black soil and peat, which will guarantee the proper development of the bulb. Fertilizing every month is recommended for best results.
- As for watering the plant, care must be taken not to wet the bulb directly, so it is recommended to water the surroundings. To do this, check that the soil is dry. This plant requires humidity, so it is recommended to place a plant in the pot that holds water and in this way it will remain moist but not soaked, since it does not resist flooding.
- It is advisable to locate it in a place where it has enough light but not directly because it tends to burn and wither, it is also recommended that it have good ventilation but not strong drafts.
- In the case of wanting to grow this plant in the outdoor garden, it is advisable to build a taller plant underneath that generates shade, the soil must be well treated, that is, loose and with fertilizer, disinfected from any pest that puts it at risk. to the kill
- When the days are hotter than normal, place ice cubes around the plant, in this way it will keep the soil moist, not soggy and at an ideal temperature, this generates higher quality flowers in terms of color, size and durability.
- At the end of the flowering period, the dried leaves and flowers must be gently plucked to ensure a new successful flowering cycle. Likewise, it is recommended that for this period the substrate be changed by adding more peat to allow greater ventilation and therefore cooling of the bulb.
Seeds
The seed of the Alpine violet is acquired by pollinating it artificially, that is, rubbing it gently with a suitable tool, such as a brush with very soft bristles. It is recommended to germinate them in trays covering it with a little substrate. Then the transplant is done after 4 to 5 weeks. It is worth noting that the vigor of the seed decreases after three years from the flower and these seeds make plants sprout that normally flower after three years.
Tuber
The violet of the alps has a part of the stem or underground root, which tends to accumulate nutrients or reserve substances, in this case the plant has a bulb that can measure up to 5 centimeters in a spherical shape compressed at the top with a brown color in light shades. You can also see certain hairs that simulate velvet and tiny roots that barely reach 1 millimeter that sprout from the lower center of the bulb.
Care
The violet of the alps has always had a bad reputation in terms of its maintenance, here we will teach you the tricks to show off the ideal plant. It is resistant unlike what they say, it has its flowering process during the end of autumn and throughout the winter, even though it is a plant that is highly tolerant to cold, it does not resist frost, that is, temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius, without However, it is advisable that the plant is free of humidity, otherwise it tends to wither.
It requires good light but never directly, if it is going to be in the garden, the ideal is that it be to the south or under a taller plant that generates good shade (not darkness) and if it is indoors, it must be located in a semi-shaded part.
Rusticity
As for the ability of the Alpine violet to survive unfavorable conditions, it makes it very special, since this delicate plant is tolerant to cold climates without freezing, for this reason it is recommended that it always be well ventilated, where the room temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees. If it were to go down, it would tolerate up to 2 degrees, after that it tends to suffer, but it gradually recovers as the temperature rises.
It is important to note that this flower could adapt to cold climates with the presence of snow to the point of blooming. That is why its name violet of the alps, since it refers to the Swiss Alps for its climatic characteristics.
Irrigation
Watering should be abundant without getting the bulb wet. The Alpine violet requires good drainage, as it does not tolerate waterlogging and thus prevents the roots from reaching the point of rotting. For this reason it is advisable that the plant has a pot with a saucer to maintain the humidity of the soil.
It should be taken into account that this plant requires a well-defined and delicate irrigation system, during the autumn and winter months its irrigation must be normal, that is, keep the soil very moist (not flooded), during the summer it should not be irrigate and in the spring irrigations are carried out occasionally.
Pruning
The pruning of the violet of the alps should be done when it presents old leaves or flowers, which should be done by gently detaching from the stem, which will help significantly in lengthening the life of this beautiful plant, as it allows new flowering and prevents the appearance of diseases.
Fertilizer
For the violet of the alps it is advisable to fertilize a few weeks before the flowering period with a fertilizer rich in nitrogen to help avoid excessive foliar development, potassium and phosphorus to obtain a high quality flower. Also after the time of the flowers and at the end of the season keep it completely dry. It is also recommended to use liquid fertilizer every 15 days when it is in the growth period.
bulb care
The bulb is found below the ground in the form of a thick bud or shoot where the reserve of the plant accumulates. In the case of the Alpine violet, special care must be taken for this bulb in terms of its excessive contact with water, therefore it must have a good drainage system that does not allow the stagnation of water, but rather the plant will be seriously compromised. For this reason it is advisable to water around the bulb and not directly on it.
Care must also be taken with certain pests such as snails and slugs, so it is always advisable to observe in detail and if these animals are present, specialized products must be sprayed before they penetrate the plant.
Indoor and outdoor care
When the Alpine violet is used to decorate interiors, it is recommended to plant it in well-drained pots, which in turn have a plate if possible with sand to keep the soil always moist and not waterlogged. This wonderful flower requires a low ambient temperature if you want, so it is recommended to place it near a window that does not receive direct air currents as well as sunlight, so a semi-shaded place is recommended.
You have to be careful with the use of heating and this plant because they do not usually get along. One method for the plant to maintain its temperature properly is to place ice cubes only when it is in the flowering period, thus maintaining humidity and ideal temperature. As for its location outside, it is not highly recommended, as this plant does not resist strong gusts of wind and the soil must be well drained, which makes it difficult to maintain in these conditions.
care in summer
During the summer the violet of the alps enters a state of hibernation, thanks to the ambient temperature as it becomes hotter, which is considered a time of rest, which ends at the same moment that the temperature begins to drop. During this period, specialists in the field recommend reducing to a minimum or even suspending the total irrigation of the plant. On the other hand, special care must be taken regarding lighting, it is advisable that this be indirect and be careful to turn the pot so that the plant is not affected by the sun's rays.
Rest
The violet of the alps is considered by many to be an annual plant, which after the flowering period tends to be discarded, alleging that the next flowers are of poor quality, an issue that should not be, if it is given the necessary care. What this plant really does is enter a state of rest or hibernation in which it does not require further care. Here we show you how you can keep it alive so that it produces an excellent flowering after the summer days.
In the first place, it is recommended to place the bulb in a dark and dry place or, failing that, plant it in the garden under good shade. You can water very little just so that the tuber does not die. Once autumn has started, you can place it in the appropriate place so that the flowering process begins. This entire process will be determined by the climate, which is a determining factor in the life of this plant. There are violets from the Alps that manage to bloom three times a year, thanks to the fact that the soil is kept in perfect humidity and the climate is from temperate to cold during the 12 months.
Alpine Violet Cultivation
As for the cultivation of the violet of the alps, this is very simple but with a lot of care. The sowing of this plant is more common in areas where the climate is from temperate to cold, it is recommended that the seed be planted in the summer so that it can bloom in autumn or spring. It is highly recommended that the pot in which the plant is grown be narrow so that it develops better. Its cultivation can be done in two ways through sowing in autumn or by dividing the main stems called stolons. This form is used at the end of winter and beginning of autumn.
Reproduction
The violet of the alps is recommended to plant them during the fall. The most common is to use the seed of the plant, initially placing it in a seedbed with a good layer of fertilizer, with moderate irrigation around the seed without soaking it. After 4 or 5 weeks when it begins to show its first leaves, it is considered ready to be transplanted into its pot. This beautiful plant is usually grown in soils in regions with a temperate to cold climate, since in these conditions the correct development of the plant can be guaranteed. These crops can also be carried out effectively in greenhouses with low temperatures, which will generate flowers of high quality and beauty.
Distribution
This spectacular plant has its origins in the west of the Asian continent, including part of southwestern Turkey, being distributed from the province of Hatay to the beginning of Jordan. There are studies that affirm that this flower could also be found in several islands of Greece such as Crete and Karpados. Likewise, it is located in the north of the African continent, that is, in Tunisia and Algeria. In all these localities, the Alpine violet was given a special place in cemeteries and monasteries.
By the mid-1940s, there were signs of this plant in Spain, thanks to a gardener of Austrian origin named Rudolf Klobuznik who discovered this beautiful flower in Madrid, which led him to carry out several tests until he found a plant resistant to a type determined of climate something that was not common in this forest to be able to adapt it to the climatic conditions of the Iberian Peninsula, in the southwest of Europe surrounded by the Mediterranean and Atlantic sea.
Diseases and Pests
All plants are highly vulnerable to contracting diseases and pests, and the Alpine violet does not escape this reality, therefore, here we present a list with the symptoms and possible treatments that you can use to combat these evils that afflict this type plant and you can apply it on time and do not lose the splendor of this beautiful flower.
Diseases
Among the most common diseases, yellow leaves are found first, it may be due to excess lime in the soil, so it is recommended to use acid fertilizer and with iron chelates. You can also see spots in the form of white powder known as Oidium, which you can combat using fungicides according to this disease. Other spots that usually appear are the dark brown ones caused by the Phyllosticta fungus, which leads to the total wilting of the plant. These spots are always oriented to the veins that are favored by cool and humid climates.
To combat this fungus it is recommended to use any classic fungicide, they tend to give very good results. In the case of the bacterium Erwinia carotovora, which tends to wither the old leaves and rot the new ones, as well as the bulb, it is advisable to destroy the plant, remove the soil and apply new fertilizer. For its part, anthracnose, which is a powerful fungus known as Gloeosporium cyclaminis, tends to attack the petioles of the plant, turning them brown. When it reaches the apex, it causes the flower to fall, leaving a reduced and dry appendage. To treat this type of aggressive fungus, the use of zineb treatments is recommended.
Brotitis, which is another disease that the violet of the Alps is usually infected with, appears as a grayish mold that is scientifically known as Botrytis cinerea, it can also appear on the flower petals, for this reason it is recommended not to Wetting the plant at the time of watering completely destroys the infected leaves or petals. When the leaves turn yellow, the flowers dry and wither, they are in the presence of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which attacks the entire plant. It is a pink or white mold, which can be avoided or corrected by avoiding excess organic matter and acidity of the soil using lime.
Last but not least, there is chrome rot, it is a kind of Pythium and Rhizoctonia fungus that tends to rot the root of the plant causing it to lose its foliage and flower. To combat this disease, the application of treatments based on ozone is recommended, which acts with the irrigation water to immobilize these microorganisms. If these diseases are combated in time and a constant disinfection is maintained, great evils will not be reached and the plant will always be healthy to bloom every year.
Pests
The pests tend to be a scourge that invade plants quickly and aggressively and in many cases with collateral effects. In the case of the pests that usually attack the Alpine violet is thrips, which causes the leaves to turn reddish due to the number of bites, causing a number of black dots due to the excrement. The best way to combat them is by using insecticides. For their part, the mites cause a certain deformation in the leaves and flower buds due to the bites they inflict on them. This can cause poor blooming. For this, the use of acaricide is recommended.
Another of the common pests are the weevils, scientifically known as Otiorrhynchus rugosostriatus, which appear as a kind of tiny beetle that attacks from the edge of the leaf. In the case of the larvae, they fertilize directly in the soil and feed on the root of the plant. In the case of the Alpine violet, they feed on its bulb. To exterminate this harmful pest, it is advisable to use malathion or some other phosphorous pesticide, as well as continually check the soil to prevent the development of larvae.
The caterpillars also seek to benefit from the violet of the alps, they are a kind of gray worms that eat from the stem at ground level. This pest must be combated quickly and effectively with the use of baits. One must be very aware of the wormless larvae which are often confused with the caterpillars but they destroy the entire leaves without touching the nerves of the lamina, they always attack in large groups, causing real damage to the leaves.
In the violet of the alps, you can also find pests such as parasitic nematodes, belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, they are tiny animals in the form of worms, which are usually found in the soil. These are known as roundworms because of their shape. They are listed as the fourth largest group in the animal kingdom. This pest is very dangerous because it directly attacks the root of the plant, preventing it from absorbing the nutrients necessary for its survival, which leads to the premature death of the plant. To eliminate this unpleasant pest, it is suggested to use nematicides, as well as to remove and place a new substrate and clean the bulb and stem of the bush very well.
Alpine Violet Disorders
This plant requires certain care to maintain its exuberant beauty in times of flowering, here we indicate what could be the disorders that the violet of the alps can suffer. When the plant begins to turn yellow and there are no apparent pests or disease, it could be due to a sudden change in climate, that is, it surely comes from a cold greenhouse at a warmer temperature, this causes the plant to lose its leaves.
To obtain excellent flowering you should avoid watering from above, it should always be done around the stem without wetting the flowers or leaves, for this it is recommended to only place a plate full of water under the pot for 10 minutes to so that it absorbs the necessary amount of water without running any risk. It is important to know that during the dormant period, that is, the hottest period, it should not be watered or watered infrequently, the plant will survive and will be activated at the beginning of the cold season.
Toxicity
The Alpine violet is among the list of mid-level poisonous plants for man. It is a plant that is born from a tuber which contains cyclamine, which is a common alkaloid in this species. But certainly consuming it in high doses is very toxic. This plant is used in the manufacture of certain medicines.
It also contains saponin, which are glycosides that generate the disintegration of erythrocytes, this phenomenon is known as hemolytic, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. It should be noted that it can also be highly toxic to pets. Other symptoms of poisoning with this plant can be malaise, abdominal pain, seizures and even paralysis.
Curious fact
Did you know that the color of the Alpine violet depends on the degree of altitude at which it is found, that is, at lower temperatures its color will be stronger. You can tell when your plant is old by the size of the flower, because for each bloom it becomes smaller but more blooming over time. Receiving an Alpine violet in its usual color symbolizes family union or marriage, but when it is presented in white it means purity and innocence.
Is it a medicinal plant?
Did you know that Alpine violet has medicinal properties in treating rheumatism and blood flow in the pelvic area to stimulate menstruation. This plant has active ingredients that can help improve these symptoms, but it can only be used in homeopathy, since it has been proven that the plant itself is highly toxic.
To learn more about this wonderful and striking plant, I invite you to watch the following video.
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