African violets have a reputation of being easy to care for. It’s true that compared to other beloved houseplants, African violets are fairly easy to keep alive. Despite their beautiful appearance, they aren’t delicate things that droop at any minor inconsistency. However, like other houseplants, African violets do sometimes face damage from diseases and pests.
You’ll be relieved to know that problems with diseases and pests attacking African violets don’t happen on a regular basis, and most diseases and pests that bother African violets are easy to prevent with good care.
That being said, sometimes even with the best care, your African violet may show signs of disease or pests. Keep reading to find out how you can identify the problem and treat your African violets.
African violets are one of the most popular houseplants, prized for their colorful flowers and velvety foliage However, these plants can fall victim to various diseases that can quickly damage or kill them As an African violet owner, it’s important to learn how to identify and treat common diseases so you can enjoy a healthy, thriving plant.
Common Diseases
Several fungal bacterial and environmental diseases commonly affect African violets. The most prevalent include
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Powdery Mildew – A fungal disease characterized by white powdery spots on leaves, stems and flowers. It thrives in humid conditions.
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Leaf Spot – Round, brown/black spots with yellow rings caused by bacteria. Leaves wilt and fall off.
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Crown Rot – A fungus that rots the base of the plant where it meets the soil. Stem turns black and mushy.
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Root Rot – Fungal disease that causes roots to rot, turning brown/black.
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Botrytis Blight – Grayish, fuzzy fungal spots on leaves, stems and flowers that spread quickly.
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Petiole Rot – Rust-colored spots where leaf stems meet pot, caused by excess fertilizer salts.
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Water Spots – White/yellow rings on leaves caused by cold water droplets.
Identification
To identify diseases, inspect plants frequently for any abnormalities:
- Discolored or spotted leaves, stems, flowers
- Wilting, drooping, stunted growth
- Rotting or mushy parts
- Fuzzy coatings on plant parts
Use a magnifying glass to look for tiny fungal spores or bacteria. Accurate identification is key for proper treatment.
Treatment
Once identified, prompt treatment is essential. Methods vary depending on the disease:
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Fungal/bacterial diseases – Remove and destroy infected parts. Spray remainder with appropriate fungicide or antibacterial solution. Increase air circulation.
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Crown/root rot – Remove rotten parts. Repot healthy remnants in fresh soil. Reduce watering.
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Petiole rot – Leach out excess salts by flushing soil. Cover pot rim with tape/foil to prevent.
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Water spots – Keep leaves dry when watering.
Discard severely infected plants to prevent spreading. Always sterilize pots before reuse. Isolate plants after treatment and optimize care. Natural remedies like baking soda, vinegar and neem oil sprays can also be effective.
Prevention
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to African violet diseases. Best practices include:
- Inspect new plants closely before bringing home
- Isolate new plants for a few weeks
- Provide optimal growing conditions
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Ensure proper airflow and humidity
- Sterilize tools and pots
- Avoid overcrowding plants
With vigilance and quick action, you can keep your African violets healthy and happy for years to come. Proper identification and treatment of any diseases will help nurture the vibrant flowers these popular houseplants are prized for.
African Violet Diseases FAQ
How do you revive a wilted African violet?
African violets can wilt for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for wilting is overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil, and make sure you’re watering correctly. If the top 2 inches of the soil are dry, it’s time to water. If the top 2 inches of the soil are still wet, hold off on watering.
Why are the bottom leaves of my African violet dying?
Overwatering is generally the cause of the bottom leaves of an African violet dying. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings. While other issues can be the cause, in most cases, adjusting your watering schedule will likely fix the problem.
What is the life span of an African violet?
African violets can live for a long time. With proper care, African violets have a life span of between 20 and 50 years.
African Violet Diseases and Pests Final Thoughts
Having a disease or pest attack your African violets can be disappointing. After all, you’re hoping for a hardy, beautiful houseplant when you get an African violet.
The good news is that most diseases and pests are preventable with a little extra vigilance on your part. Make sure you water your African violet correctly, give it adequate air circulation, and generally keep it healthy. Also, isolate new plants to check for pests before placing them near the rest of your plant collection. This will keep pests from being introduced to the African violets you already have.
African Violet Plant Health & Diagnostics: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (Part 1 of 3)
FAQ
How to treat African violet disease?
What does fungus look like on African Violets?
What is the best fungicide for African Violets?
How to get rid of fungus on Violets?
How do you prevent African violet diseases?
The best way to prevent African violet diseases is by providing proper care for your plants. This includes using well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, providing adequate light and humidity levels, and keeping your plants away from other sick plants. Q: What should I do if my African violet has multiple diseases?
Can African violets die from rotten parts?
After trimming rotten parts, repot your plant in fresh soil. Water the soil enough to make it damp, then allow it to dry briefly between waterings. This disease is caused by saturated soil and fungal infection, leading to plant decay. Petiole rot, or crown rot, is almost always fatal for African violets.
Are African violets prone to disease?
Although lovely and capable of blooming nearly year-round, the African violet is prone to a few diseases. With vigilance and quick maintenance, you can stop the disease spread though. Watch out for root rot, crown rot, bacterial blight, Botrytis blight, and water spots. Although not a disease, mealybugs can infect these plants and eat them.
Why is my African Violet dying?
Many possible culprits could cause problems for African violet owners, including insect pests and fungal diseases. The best way to stop the spread of pests and diseases is to prevent them from happening in the first place. When you purchase a new plant, always inspect it carefully for signs of pests or poor health.