Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top centimeter of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.
Bicolor Persian violet (Exacum tetragonum) is a stunning annual or short-lived perennial with vibrant, star-shaped flowers in shades of violet and white.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers a bright location but avoid direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, fertile potting mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Light Feeding
50% intensity
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top centimeter of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during cooler months.
Pinch back the tips of stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove spent flowers promptly to prevent seed formation and promote continuous flowering.
Light pruning can also be done to maintain the plant's shape.
Propagate Exacum tetragonum from seeds sown in spring or early summer. Seeds require warmth and consistent moisture to germinate. Cuttings can also be taken from healthy stems and rooted in moist potting mix.
Repot annually or biennially in spring, moving the plant to a pot one size larger if root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based blend with added perlite. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bicolor Persian Violet (Exacum tetragonum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Exacum |
| Species | Exacum tetragonum |
Similar in genus Exacum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data