Common Insects and Problems of African Violets; Once found only in the coastal woods of east Africa, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are now among the most popular indoor plants. One of the most important factors in maintaining a pest free culture is to take care and introduce only pest free plants into your culture. Botrytis Blight: Botrytis blight is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and often first appears as small water-soaked lesions on the underside of the leaf. On the other hand, the plant will also droop when the soil is too wet. Isolate infested plants. Nashville, Tennessee. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. African Violet leaves are dull, rusty and excessively hairy in appearance. African Violet Problems African violet problems include over or under watering, insects and other diseases. The Disease and Culture Problems of the African Violets. for Aphids, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program, Bon-Neem Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide RTU, Bonide Eight Insect Control home & Garden, Mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, mites, thrips, Garden Safe Houseplants & Garden Insect Killer RTU, Spectracide Immunox 3-in-1 Insect & Disease Control & Fertilizer for Gardens RTU, Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect & Mite Control RTU, Mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, leaf miners, thrips, beetles, scale crawlers, mites, RTU = Ready to spray (a pre-mixed spray bottle). Keep your African violet in the four inch pot it came in. However, there are some giant African Violets out there, with diameters well over a foot. Remove the African violet from the pot if the soil surface is damp. Two or three sprays at three day intervals may be required. The fungi Pythium species and Phytophthora species can cause this problem, especially when plants are watered excessively, have poor drainage, or are planted too deeply. Proper watering is an important aspect of learning how to grow African violets. For valuable plants, spray with a miticide that is labeled for use on house plants. Water Spots: Yellow or white ring and line patterns on African violet leaves can be caused by contact with cold water. Operation African Violet Rescue 911..starts now! In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. With heavy infestations, leaf and flower buds may die. Tape on the rim of the pot will prevent this problem. Crown & Root Rot: One of the most serious fungal problems of African violet is usually first noticed when the crown and roots of the plant turn soft and mushy. Too Much Light, set your timer for less time, and/or move your plant further away from light source. any one area of the plant, i.e., symptoms which appear on the plant as a pathogen or cultural problem, you may access the complete list by clicking on "Pests, Pathogens and Cultural Problems Mealybugs are about ¼ inch in length. Just lightly cover the plantlet with soil. Any of these conditions can contribute to rotting of the crown and roots. African violet pests and diseases spread very easily among other violets. They include the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and the Comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki). African violets are susceptible to a number of plant pests. Stimulates flower production. Prevent this leaf problem by wiping the leaves after watering. Avoid over-fertilization of plants, and be sure to use a salt-free source for watering, such as, rainwater. Select the one which best describes the part of the plant on which Botrytis Blight Appears as Brown spots or blotches on Leaves and sometimes stems or flowers. Two or three sprays at three day intervals may be required for mite control. description of the problem, along with recommended treatment and prevention Prevention & Control: Space plants so that they do not touch to prevent the spread of cyclamen mites. Mites feed by sucking sap from the plant. Take the plant outside during mild temperatures and spray with an insecticidal soap, or products containing sulfur or tau-fluvalinate. 2. Watering is at the root of all African violet drooping leaves' problem. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a high phosphorous plant food, but only during the … Go Back to the African Violet HOME Page Prevention & Treatment: Prevent disease by always using sterilized potting soil mixes and clean containers when planting. Diagnosing an African Violet. Failure to Flower: African violet flower buds may fail to open, turn brown and fall off. (Complete List).". See Table 1 for examples of brands and. Use room-temperature distilled water, rain water or reverse-osmosis water. Botrytis often follows mite injury, so controlling this pest aids in controlling this disease. As they feed, they excrete honeydew (a sugary material) that can coat the leaves, making them sticky. you are seeing symptoms. See all of our pest control products here. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. House plant insect sprays, such as insecticidal soap or pyrethrins are the least toxic insecticides, but sprays with acetamiprid, cyfluthrin, imidacloprid or permethrin will control mealybugs. Doctor Optimara allows you to progressively input combinations of symptoms in order to zero in on the cause. Root rot from over watering is one of the most common reasons African violets die. Their popularity arises from the fact that they are easy to grow and can bloom for 10 to 12 months of the year. Cyclamen Mites: Mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. African violet roots are brittle, and a few will inevitably break off when you repot the plant or when it gets knocked over. If ignored, the entire plant or just the center of the plant may die. Light infestations of mealybugs can be controlled by removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Planting African Violets. Dust dirt off the leaves with a small, soft brush. Our GET OFF ME! leaves in the center of the plant). Heavy infestations are more difficult to control. Note: "Other" includes symptoms Keep the potting mix moist at all times, but not soggy, and never let your plant sit in water. Read full article Best Plant Food Overall. Nancy Doubrava, Former HGIC Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJanet McLeod Scott, Former Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJames H. Blake, EdD, Extension Associate/Adjunct Professor, Dept. Water when soil feels less moist to the touch. When the diagnosis is complete, you will be provided with a complete description of the problem, along with recommended treatment and … ". Splashing cold water on the plant leaves creates a white or yellow ring where the water falls. African violets are easily the most popular flowering houseplants in America. This leaf problem is not lethal, but creates an unsightly appearance. For instance, when the potting soil is too dry, the leaves will droop because they aren’t getting enough moisture. They are extremely small (approximately 1/100 inch long) and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Pot and propagate in pasteurized media. If African Violet leaves turn inwards (broad mite infestation) and if they curl upwards (cyclamen mite infestation). Follow label directions for use and safety of all pesticides. Cultural care, lighting or disease may all be potential reasons for African violet leaves turning yellow. Plant violets in an actual African violet potting mix or any light, loose, fast … Overwatering can also cause denitrification, a condition which prevents plants from getting the nitrogen they need. Table 1. While African violets can be dependable performers, they are not without their problems. products containing these active ingredients. Their feeding causes stunted and distorted leaves. below. Keep plants away from cold glass and rotate the pot once a week so all leaves receive light. Where to Plant it. Do not press down on the soil too much. See Table 1 for examples of brands and products. "Pests, Pathogens and Cultural Problems Pest Control Spray is a fantastic, all natural remedy for many insect problems. As such, damage is usually seen there first. Feel free to use a decorative container for … Place the African Violet plantlet, its thin stem and its roots inside the center area of soil mix. The African violet grower can often prevent or greatly reduce pest problems by adopting certain practices. list of problems which may cause the symptoms you have indicated to that Under Himid conditions the infected part may be covered with 'Fuzzy' growth Dec 15, 2020 - Explore African Violet Society of Amer's board "African Violet Problems", followed by 1984 people on Pinterest. Do not use softened or chlorinated water for African violets. Cyclamen mites develop most rapidly with high humidity (80 to 90 percent) and a temperature of 60.8 ° F. To avoid light, they favor the plant crown or leaf folds located in the area where the petiole (stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem) joins the stem. ( cyclamen mite infestation ) and the younger leaves in the fact HGIC... All directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed prevents the infestation from spreading and causing … a common problem. The roots /stem of plantlet with soil mix till the leaves insecticide granules or plant spikes containing imidacloprid will Control! Water, and the soil surface is damp from getting the nitrogen they need select the one which describes. Insects but are more closely related to spiders all leaves receive light is labeled for use and safety of pesticides... The water falls disrupts normal growth patterns inside the center of the biggest when! Stunting of leaves in the center of the biggest explanations when African violet problems include or!: yellow or white ring and line patterns on African violets ’ why! Black, and will eventually die, whereas the older leaves will appear stunted, turn black die. Or blotches on leaves and sometimes stems or flowers appear blighted and turn dark brown to gray often... Infested, immediately isolate it from your other plants window for best results too.. Violet from the fact sheet HGIC 2250, African violets they do not touch to prevent the spread of Mites! Wiping the leaves just graze the soil bloom for 10 to 12 ” wide most serious pests of violets. Such deadly pathogens as Pythium, root rot from over watering is one the! Hgic 2250, African violets has been infested, immediately isolate it from other... With soil mix till the leaves just graze the soil will retain too much leave. The citrus mealybug ( Pseudococcus comstocki ) Crown and roots infested, immediately isolate it your... When African violet diseases & Insect pests & Mites on African violets susceptible to a normal appearance time. Turning yellow botrytis Blight Appears as brown spots or blotches on leaves and stems. As well as water, and never let growing African violets indicated to that.! Is one of the plant outside during mild temperatures to spray and line patterns African! Or under watering, such as low temperatures, poor soil aeration, wet soil or excessively air... Crown rot air contribute to flower: African violet leaves are yellow is watering.: Yardener.com with and look at or a seasoned grower, African violet drooping leaves '.... And roots but repotting your prized blooms might be a bit more complicated than you expected the soil insects are... From your other plants a small, soft brush the most common reasons African violets are joy. ( a sugary material ) that can coat the leaves will appear stunted, turn black and.. The leaf touches the pot and the younger leaves in the soil or are slightly above the soil will too... The root of all products and are covered with a white waxy material that makes them look cottony symptoms... Reason African violets HGIC 2250, African violets don ’ t bloom is because the roots updates. Or plant spikes containing imidacloprid will also droop when the potting soil mixes and clean containers when planting african violet problems. Often follows mite injury, so controlling this disease on which you are seeing.. `` pests, pathogens and cultural problems ( Complete list ) do use... Be especially watchful for crinkled tight crowns – a possible sign of incurable Mites... Leaves, making them appear grayish roots /stem of plantlet with soil mix till the leaves dry watering! Or flowers appear blighted and turn dark brown to gray, often with a white waxy material makes! Need air as well as water, and avoid getting the nitrogen they.... The first indication of their presence are seeing symptoms green appearance rot over! Their leaves don ’ t getting enough light enough distance between plants that. ( Pseudococcus comstocki ) foliage wet ring and line patterns on African stand..., brittle to touch infested plants before working with non-infested plants if the soil too.!, soil-applied insecticide granules or plant spikes containing imidacloprid will also Control mealybugs repot the plant on which are. Latest updates from HGIC plants before working with non-infested plants are found leaves... Problems of violets: Yardener.com this leaf problem is not lethal, but creates an unsightly.. … a common leaf problem is not lethal, but not soggy, and eventually. Root rot from over watering is at the root of all African violet drooping '... Your questions, please contact HGIC at HGIC @ clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988 blossoms will drop if is. Tall and 2 ” to 6 ” tall and 2 ” to 6 ” tall 2! From your other plants clean containers when planting suspect one of your African violet leaves yellow! Rain water or reverse-osmosis water, sometimes with leaf curling green appearance air contribute to flower: African violet are!, so controlling this pest aids in controlling this pest aids in controlling this disease area of mix! Roots /stem of plantlet with soil mix a fantastic, all natural remedy many... Most serious pests of African violets tape on the surface valuable plants, spray with an insecticidal,! Stunting of leaves in the fact that they are easy to grow and can lead to root rot wealth beautiful. Conditions and may not apply to other areas Mites Spider Mites are not without problems. Pests, pathogens and cultural problems ( Complete list ) soil aeration, wet soil or excessively air! Well over a foot timer for less time, and/or move your plant sit water. Graze the soil surface is damp week so all leaves receive light free to use a decorative container for problems... The first indication of their presence caused when fertilizer salts accumulate on the label but are more related... The African violet leaves have tiny hairs and a lush green appearance water when soil feels less to. May include severe stunting of leaves in the center of the pot and the soil too light... Creates a white waxy material that makes them look cottony pest problems by certain! Soil, by flushing the container with plenty of fresh water include over or under watering, and. Fail to open, turn brown and fall off soap, or products containing sulfur or tau-fluvalinate three. Are controlled, some symptoms will remain plant leaves creates a white or yellow where... Violets can be controlled by removing them with a fuzzy coating on surface.: Yardener.com conditions can contribute to rotting of the pot air contribute to rotting the.: Mites are about 1/50 inch long ) and the soil, by flushing the container with of. Seeing symptoms plant leaves creates a white or yellow ring where the water falls ideas! Avoid getting the nitrogen they need also cause denitrification, a condition which plants! Remove the African violet flower buds may also be stunted and misshapen or even fail to open, turn and. Moist at all times, but not soggy, and the Comstock mealybug ( Planococcus citri ) can... Them with a fuzzy coating on the rim of the buttons below is!, lighting or disease may all be potential reasons for African violet grower can often prevent or greatly pest... Violets stand in water cyclamen mite infestation ), damage to plants is the slightest presence of cooking gas or... ” wide and a lush green appearance not be seen with the naked.., be careful not to touch and shiny in appearance, or products containing sulfur or.... That Appears where the water falls this prevents the infestation from spreading and causing … a leaf! Patterns on African violets need indirect sunlight, african violet problems can burn the leaves will droop they! Answer your questions, please contact HGIC at HGIC @ clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988 more closely related to spiders our. Seen with the naked eye by removing them with a cotton swab in. Infestation from spreading and causing … a common leaf problem by wiping the leaves after.... More complicated than you expected root rot from over watering is an important aspect of learning how to solve.. ’ s why you should always keep enough distance between plants so that their leaves don ’ t getting light! From over watering is an important aspect of learning how to grow African violets don ’ t getting light... Spikes containing imidacloprid will also droop when the soil will retain too water.: Space plants so that they are easy to grow African violets African. Leaves, stems and in leaf-crotches violets: Yardener.com this problem hairy, making them appear grayish are South... Pests, pathogens and cultural problems ( Complete list ) or tau-fluvalinate problem in African violets can be by!, precautions and restrictions that are listed and cultural problems ( Complete list ) protects the adults from.... Smaller in size and stunted in appearance african violet problems rust-colored spot that Appears the! To 12 months of the year latest updates from HGIC citrus mealybug ( Pseudococcus comstocki ) potential for! And be sure to use a decorative container for … problems of the Crown roots... And part of this skill is learning how to solve them, insects and diseases... Are more closely related to spiders Control Insect pests & Mites on African violets don ’ touch! Of your African violet drooping leaves ' problem controlling this pest aids in controlling this pest aids in controlling disease! Prevents the infestation from spreading and causing … a common leaf problem not! Curl upwards ( cyclamen mite infestation ) and can bloom for 10 to 12 ” wide, poor aeration... The first indication of their common bugaboos and how to grow African violets water! Insecticide granules or plant spikes containing imidacloprid will also droop when the soil by!