19 Common Problems With African Violets

Ah, African violets! Their vibrant blooms and velvety leaves make them a favorite among plant lovers. But, like any cherished plant, they can sometimes give us a run for our money with a host of common problems. If you're feeling the pinch of trying to keep your African violets happy, you're definitely not alone.

In this post, we'll explore 19 common problems that might pop up when caring for these beauties, along with practical tips to tackle each one. Whether you're a newbie plant parent or a seasoned green thumb, there's something here for everyone. Let's get started!

1. Leaf Spots and Blotches

One of the first issues you might notice with your African violets is leaf spotting or blotching. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but most often, it's due to water droplets landing on the leaves and then being exposed to sunlight. Think of it like a magnifying glass effect—the droplets can cause burns on the leaves.

To avoid this, try watering your violets from the bottom. Place a saucer under the pot, fill it with water, and let the plant absorb what it needs. You'll also want to make sure you're using room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant and cause similar issues.

• Water from the bottom to avoid splashing the leaves.
• Use room-temperature water to prevent shock.
• Consider using a watering can with a long spout for more control.

If you already have spots, gently remove the affected leaves to prevent further damage. With a little care, your plant should bounce back.

2. Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves can be a real bummer, right? This often signals nutrient deficiencies or overwatering. African violets need a delicate balance of nutrients to thrive, and too much or too little water can tip the scales.

Start by checking your watering routine. Overwatering is a common culprit, so make sure the soil is slightly dry before you water again. If you're confident your watering schedule is on point, it might be time to consider fertilizing.

• Check the soil moisture before watering again.
• Use a balanced fertilizer specifically for African violets.
• Apply fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks, but dilute it to half strength if you're unsure.

With the right adjustments, those yellow leaves should be a thing of the past!

3. Wilting Leaves

Nothing's more disheartening than seeing your once-perky plant looking droopy. Wilting can come from both under and overwatering, so it’s essential to check the soil. If it's dry, your violet is thirsty. If it's soggy, you've probably overdone it with the watering can.

For underwatered plants, a thorough soak should perk them up. If you've overwatered, consider repotting with fresh soil to prevent root rot. It’s all about finding that sweet spot in between.

4. Crown Rot

Crown rot is a sneaky problem that often arises from overwatering, leading to a mushy base on your plant. If your African violet's center looks dark and feels soft, you might be dealing with crown rot.

Unfortunately, crown rot is tough to treat once it sets in. Prevention is your best bet here. Ensure your pot has good drainage, and avoid letting water sit on the leaves or crown.

• Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Water around the edges of the pot, avoiding the plant's center.
• Remove affected parts immediately to prevent the spread.

5. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a white, powder-like fungus that can settle on your plant's leaves. It thrives in humid environments with poor air circulation. If you spot it, act quickly before it spreads.

Improve air circulation by spacing plants apart and ensuring the room is well-ventilated. If mildew persists, try a homemade remedy: mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and spray it on the leaves.

• Improve air circulation around your plants.
• Use a fan in the room to keep the air moving.
• Remove severely affected leaves to contain the spread.

6. Stunted Growth

If your African violet seems to be stuck in a growth rut, it could be due to a lack of nutrients, inadequate light, or a pot that's too small. Check if the roots are cramped, which can restrict growth.

Repotting in a slightly larger container with fresh soil can give the roots more room to grow. Additionally, ensure your plant is getting enough light, ideally bright but indirect sunlight.

• Repot in a slightly larger container if roots are cramped.
• Ensure bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
• Fertilize regularly, but don't overdo it.

7. Pests: The Unwanted Guests

No one likes uninvited guests, especially when they're of the creepy-crawly variety. African violets can attract pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

Regular checks can help catch these pests early. A gentle wash with soapy water or neem oil can usually do the trick. For stubborn infestations, consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs or using insecticidal soap.

• Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests.
• Use a mild soapy water solution to clean leaves.
• Consider neem oil for persistent pests.

8. Leaf Curl

Curled leaves can be a sign that your plant isn't getting the right amount of light. Too much light can cause the edges to curl and brown, while too little can lead to weak, limp leaves.

Adjust the light exposure to see if that helps. A sheer curtain can diffuse harsh sunlight, while a grow light can supplement natural light in darker rooms.

• Adjust light conditions to prevent leaf curl.
• Use a sheer curtain to diffuse direct sunlight.
• Supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient.

9. Bud Blast

Bud blast occurs when flower buds form but fail to open, eventually falling off. This can be due to sudden changes in environment, such as a draft, a shift in temperature, or even a change in watering routine.

Maintaining a consistent environment is key. Keep your African violets away from drafts and maintain a stable temperature. If you’re moving them, do it gradually to allow them to acclimate.

• Keep the environment consistent to prevent bud blast.
• Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.
• Gradually acclimate plants to new locations.

10. Root Rot

Root rot is a serious issue often caused by poor drainage and overwatering. It results in a mushy, blackened root system that can be fatal if not addressed.

Prevention is all about proper watering and good drainage. If you suspect root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away any rotted roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

• Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
• Water only when the topsoil feels dry.
• Repot with fresh soil if root rot is suspected.

11. Edema

Edema is a less common but still frustrating issue where excess water in the leaves causes blister-like bumps. It's usually due to overwatering or high humidity.

To manage edema, adjust your watering habits and ensure good air circulation. Reducing humidity levels can also help, especially if your home is naturally humid.

• Adjust watering frequency to prevent overwatering.
• Improve air circulation around your plants.
• Consider using a dehumidifier in high humidity areas.

12. Soil Issues

African violets are particular about their soil. They prefer a light, well-draining mix. If the soil is too compact, it can lead to water retention issues and root problems.

Use a specialized African violet potting mix for best results. If you can't find one, create your own by combining peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. This blend ensures the roots get adequate air and moisture.

• Choose a light, well-draining potting mix.
• Create your own mix with peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
• Repot if the soil becomes compacted or waterlogged.

13. Light Burn

Too much direct sunlight can scorch African violet leaves, causing them to brown and curl. It’s a bit like getting a sunburn, but for plants.

Position your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. If the sun is too strong, a sheer curtain can help diffuse the light. Alternatively, move the plant further from the window.

• Ensure bright but indirect sunlight for your plants.
• Use a sheer curtain to diffuse intense sunlight.
• Move plants further from the window if necessary.

14. Insect Damage

Beyond the usual pests, insects can sometimes cause physical damage to your plant. Chewing insects can leave holes in leaves or cause them to appear ragged.

Regularly inspect your plants and use insecticidal soap if needed. For a natural approach, you can introduce beneficial insects or use neem oil to deter these munching critters.

• Inspect plants regularly for insect damage.
• Use insecticidal soap for treatment.
• Consider natural deterrents like neem oil.

15. Over-Fertilization

While feeding your plants is important, too much of a good thing can lead to buildup, causing leaf burn and poor growth. Signs include browning leaf edges and a white crust on the soil surface.

Always follow the recommended dosage on fertilizer packaging. If you suspect over-fertilization, flush the soil with water to wash away excess salts and nutrients.

• Follow fertilizer dosage instructions carefully.
• Flush soil with water if over-fertilization is suspected.
• Consider using a diluted solution to avoid buildup.

16. Lack of Humidity

African violets love humidity, but too dry an environment can cause leaf edges to brown and flowers to wilt prematurely.

To increase humidity, place a tray of water with pebbles near your plant, or use a humidifier. This creates a micro-environment that's more to their liking.

• Place a pebble tray with water near your plants.
• Use a humidifier in dry environments.
• Group plants together to naturally increase humidity.

17. Temperature Fluctuations

These plants are sensitive to temperature changes, which can cause wilting or leaf drop. They prefer a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Try to keep your African violets away from drafts and direct heat sources like radiators. A stable environment will help them thrive.

• Maintain a stable temperature for your plants.
• Avoid placing plants near drafts or heat sources.
• Monitor room temperature to ensure consistency.

18. Leaf Loss

Sudden leaf loss can be alarming and is often a sign of stress, whether from a move, a change in care, or even shock from repotting.

Try to identify any recent changes in care and address them. Sometimes, it's just a matter of allowing the plant time to adjust to its new environment.

• Identify and address any recent changes in care.
• Allow time for plants to acclimate to new environments.
• Provide consistent care to minimize stress.

19. Poor Flowering

If your African violet isn't flowering, it might not be getting enough light or nutrients. They need plenty of light to bloom, but not so much that they get scorched.

Ensure your plant is in a well-lit spot, and consider a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooms. Sometimes, a little patience goes a long way, as it may just need more time to settle in.

• Ensure adequate but not excessive lighting.
• Use a balanced fertilizer to promote blooms.
• Be patient and allow time for natural blooming cycles.

Final Thoughts

African violets can be a bit of a puzzle, but with the right care, they can thrive and bring joy to your home. From watering habits to lighting, each aspect of their care plays a part in keeping them healthy and blooming.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for new additions to your collection or need some plant care advice, feel free to reach out via email or Instagram. We believe plants have the power to connect us to nature and each other, and we're excited to share this journey with you!