Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Persian Violet Plant Care
Exacum affine Balf.f.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Exacum affine, also known as Persian Violet, is a charming plant with small, star-shaped blue flowers that stand out against its lush green foliage. Its delicate appearance and sweet fragrance make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Persian Violet?
Water Persian Violet every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Persian Violet Native To?
What Is the Persian Violet?
Persian Violet (Exacum affine) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Exacum genus. Persian Violet is native to Socotra, part of Yemen. Persian Violet is also known as German Violet.
Persian Violet displays a compact, mounding habit growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Persian Violet produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Persian Violet?
Exacum affine requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Persian Violet Need?
Persian Violet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Persian Violet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Persian Violet Prefer?
Exacum affine grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Persian Violet prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Persian Violet?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Persian Violet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Persian Violet?
Feed Persian Violet every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Persian Violet?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Persian Violet?
Persian Violet can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to exacum anamallayanum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Persian Violet Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Persian Violet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Persian Violet?
Persian Violet is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Persian Violet Need?
Persian Violet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Persian Violet is native to Socotra, part of Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Persian Violet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Persian Violet is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Exacum genus — compare its care with other Exacum species on PlantoScan.
Exacum is part of the Gentianaceae plant family — browse all Gentianaceae genera and species.
Persian Violet thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Exacum affine Balf.f., family Gentianaceae (first published in Gartenflora 32: 34 (1883)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Persian Violet, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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