What Is Wrong With My African Violet

If your African Violet plant has been over-watered, the soil will retain too much water. This retention of water will cause the leaves and /or leaf stems to turn soft, limp or mushy.

How do I revive my African violet?

If your African violet has burnt or dry leaf tips, it's likely dehydrated. Try placing your plant on a humidity tray to boost the moisture in the air. If your African violet has drooping leaves, it may be suffering from low temperatures. Keep your indoor environment around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night.

Why are the leaves on my African violet drooping?

The most common cause of drooping leaves on African violets is overwatering. The leaves will droop if the soil is allowed to get too wet or if it's not watered often enough. Therefore, make sure you keep the soil moist but not wet at all times.

What do African violet mites look like?

Mites are a common African violet problem. You may notice fine hairs growing from your plant's leaves, leaves curling up around the edges, and new leaves growing pale instead of deep green. Grab a magnifying glass and look for tiny white, brown, or yellow insects in the crown or leaf creases.

How often should you water an African violet?

Only water once a week and allow the plant to completely dry between waterings. One ingenious way of making sure your African violets are never over watered is by setting up a wicking system.

Should African violets be watered from the top or bottom?

The best way to water an African violet plant is from the bottom up. Place your plant in a shallow tray of water for 30 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up the water through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

How do I know if my African violet has root rot?

Distinguishing Symptoms

1. Plant topples over at the base. The top part of your African Violet may separate from the root system entirely, though the crown is still intact.
2. Roots are decayed.
3. Roots have yellow or yellowish-brown stripes on them.

Do African violets like to be misted?

DO NOT mist the foliage. Water on the foliage may cause permanent leaf spotting. Use water that is room temperature. African violets are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important that the crown (the section of the plant at soil level) is not saturated with water.

How long should I soak my African violet?

Let the water sit for a bit. Your African violet is finicky about its water. Make sure the water is either tepid or at room temperature before giving it to your plant. It's best to let it sit for 24-48 hours, but if you can't, then let it stand for at least an hour.

Can you use Miracle Grow on African violets?

Promote more blooms (versus unfed plants) on your houseplants with Miracle-Gro® Blooming Houseplant Food. The formula instantly feeds all blooming houseplants, including African violets.

Is coffee grounds good for African violets?

Are coffee grounds good for African violets? Coffee grounds are slightly acidic and contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow healthy foliage. Occasionally sprinkling used coffee grounds on top of your African violet potting soil can be good for the plant.

Should I cut leaves off African violet?

Pruning African Violet Leaves To keep your plant healthy, remove three or more bottom leaves every month. This helps make room for new growth and gives the remaining foliage space to stretch out a bit. To free up even more energy, remove any dead or dying flowers during leaf pruning.

What do aphids on African violets look like?

Answer: Aphids aren't usually a common problem in violets, though they have been known to appear in a collection on a rare occasion, usually when brought in on another plant. They are usually light green, sometimes black, and have soft, pear-shaped bodies that are easily visible to the naked eye.

Where is the best place to put an African violet?

African violets are strictly indoor plants in North America, largely because their leaves need to stay dry. Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location.

Does an African violet need direct sunlight?

African violets need indirect sunlight, direct can burn the leaves. Choose a north- or east- facing window for best results. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Extend daylight by placing African violets under a grow light during winter months.

Can I water African violets with tap water?

In most locations, tap water will be fine, but the quality of tap water can vary. Chlorine levels may fluctuate, depending on the season. In some areas, tap water may have high amounts of chlorine, chloramines, or dissolved solids. All these things may adversely affect your African violets.

How do I know if my African violet needs water?

Knowing when to water your African Violet is pretty straightforward. Take your finger and lightly push down into the soil. If the mix feels bone dry, it's time to water. If the mix feels moist, let your African Violet sit and check back in a few days.

Can an overwatered African violet Be Saved?

How to fix an African violet with droopy leaves from overwatering. First, trim off any dead, droopy, or mushy foliage. These leaves won't recover; removing them frees up energy for your plant to heal. Next, remove your African violet from its pot and gently brush the soil from the roots.

Do African violets like their leaves wet?

In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Too much waterwill leave your African Violets susceptible to such deadly pathogens as Pythium, Root Rot and Crown Rot.

Can you water African violets with ice cubes?

Can I use ice cubes to water African violets? No, only use room temperature water to avoid damaging your plants. While ice cubes slowly melt and add moisture to the soil, the cold water makes your violets more susceptible to discoloration.