Exacum

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gentianaceae

Order

Gentianales

Genus

Exacum

Species

akin

Description

Commonly called 'Persian violet', it is a herbaceous plant cultivated as an annual appreciated for its globular habit with dense foliage from which emerges a profusion of fragrant light blue/white flowers with showy yellow stamens. Compact and small in size, it flowers extensively indoors in spring but also outdoors in summer, provided it is sheltered from the strongest sunlight, preferably early morning sun.

Origin and Diffusion

Botanical species native to the island of Socotra.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf color

solid colour, bright green.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.1 to 0.18 m, also ideal for small pots.

Lifespan

Plant grown mainly as an annual.

Suggested planting locations

Due to its bearing and size it is suitable for small pots, terraces where it will provide a colour accent during the flowering period.

Stem/stem

Herbaceous type plant; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form, with a dialipetal corolla and plain petals. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is honey-scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

It is characterised by a compact growth allowing for dense and proportionate overall results.

Plant habit

It develops a globular habitus outlined by the dense foliage covering the stems from which the numerous flowers emerge.

branching

Abundant branching gives the plant a compact appearance with dense vegetation.

pH

For Exacum, the ideal substrate pH is between 5.5 and 6.0.

sun exposure

Requires exposure in half-shade, bright shade.

Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the summer months as flowers and leaves would dry out in a short time.

Ideal climate and temperature

It can be grown indoors in the spring, in a very bright room to preserve the beautiful colour of the flowers. When the minimum outside temperatures stay above 13/14 °C it is preferable to place it on a balcony or terrace to the north or north-east, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest days.

Use

Appreciated for its luxuriant flowering in:
Ornamental

Hardiness

Plant with low rusticity.

Soil/medium

Use a specific substrate for spring plants, containing peat and perlite to ensure proper drainage of excess water, thus preventing water stagnation and root rot.

Maintenance

It is moderately difficult but by ensuring the correct cultivation care, excellent vegetative growth and flowering results will be achieved.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation tips:
With too little light the plants do not flower Avoid over-watering

It is advisable to place the plant in a bright place but out of direct sunlight during the hottest days.

Irrigation

Allow the substrate to dry slightly between one watering and the next while maintaining moderate humidity but without allowing the plant to wilt, as it will recover very slowly. Avoid water stagnation which leads to root rot.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

Exacum is moderately demanding of fertiliser and is sensitive to excess salinity. During the spring-summer period, add a specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the substrate and dilute in the irrigation water. Do not exceed the dose and frequency of use.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Too low temperatures on plants placed outdoors can cause black spots on the leaves. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the summer months as the leaves will dry out in a short time.