I believe you are on the right track when it comes to watering. There are a couple possibilities I can think of for what may be causing the issue. First, a plant that gets too dry will get root damage. When you water again there may not be enough roots left to support the plant, and those that are left may suddenly be too wet and rot, leading to loss of the plant. The second possibility is simply over-watering, and this is more common. I would suggest unpotting a plant that's wilted and look at the roots. They should be white or tan. If they're brown they have rot. The root ball should also fill the pot completely. Most violets never need anything bigger than a 4" pot, and minis and semi-minis don't need anything larger than 2.5". Too large a pot can retain too much water leading to rot as well. Unfortunately, it's difficult to tell without observing the plants which of these possibilities is causing you trouble. The wicking method of watering is not without its own difficulties too, but highlights the need for consistency that these plants so enjoy. From the description you give about the plants possibly getting to much light, I think you're right. If you can't move them further from the light, try moving them to the ends of the fixture or reducing the amount of time the lights are on. That should help.

Thank you snappy!

In summer, violets may be getting additional window light, that, plus extra warmth causes them to require more frequent, light watering. When they are dried out, small sips every hour are best until rehydrated. If you have a dollar store nearby, you might find wick pots that are like cache pots with strainers inside. Cheap and attractive. Optimara has plastic wick saucers called Water Maid that work very well. Selective Gardener is their onLine store.

Thanks Joanne! That reminds me, I do have to go to the $ Tree. I will check out the containers. I would like better looking ones (instead of margarine containers!) and the dollar tree is $1 only! Rosie

Hmmm...never realized you can get wick pots at the Dollar Store. Is Dollar Store different form the Dollar tree? And if yes, which one has the pots? :-)

I think it is Dollar Tree. I found some deep plastic pots that had removable plastic inserts in the bottom with a lot of small holes like a water strainer. The inserts sit about 1/2" from the bottom to allow about that much water. It is not a lot, but better than nothing. Plastic pots that are about 3 1/2"or 4" fit neatly inside. The plastic cache pots are fairly good looking, for a $1! They came in muted colors. The Dollar Tree has also had other types of plastic pots, 3 for $1. They have also had the thin Optimara type pots in 3" size and squatty in packets of about 6 or 8 for $1. They are very thin, but for a temporary home for a starter plant or to give a plant away or put inside a fancier pot, they are fine. They are the same as what Optmara uses, with the large holes in the bottom. So I cover the inside bottom with a layer of paper towel before putting in the perlite and potting mix. They have also had decorative painted clay pots that are good for covering the thin Optimara type pots for display. But they are not wicking pots.

As for Selective Gardener. their Water Maid saucers are great. I have used them only on mature Optimara plants, I don't know if they would work with non-O type plants. They seem to work best when the plant is in bloom and needs extra water. They keep the soil lightly, evenly moist for about 4 or 5 days. So if they should dry out, you can still allow the soil to dry a bit, which gives you about 6 days. While they are a tad expensive, they are one-time expense. It is hard to describe them, they use a matting system. You would have to look at the photo to get the idea. Joanne

I can't see the Water Maid on Optimara's Selective Gardener site. (???)...Looks like they may have changed their product. Would you mind providing a link? Thank you so much!

It is one word, watermaid, my spell check made it into two words. They are $4 each but worth it. So easy! In the photo, it is the saucer that the pot is sitting on top of. Here is the link

Watermaid - Self-Watering Tray - Terracotta - Selective ...

www.selectivegardener.com/Watermaid-Self-Watering-Tray-Terracotta-...

Rating: 5 - ‎4 votes - ‎$4.00 - ‎In stockThe Optimara Watermaid is an economical and time-proven, self-watering system using the same capillary mat system used at Optimara. It accommodates pot ...

I have used the Watermaids & generally have been pleased with them. Its most important that the medium make contact with the mat as the latter is thin. After some time, the mat will get all cruddy. I made new mats out of material I bought from Cape Cop Violetry & they are good to go again. BTW, I bought my Watermaids, fertilizer, including Optimara brand, Oyama planters & more from them. They have the best prices. They don't have a website but you can contact them at ccviolets@msn.com.

Thanks, Terri! One good deed deserves another! I need more Watermaids and need to replace the mats!