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African Violets

African violet question

2 years ago

I dont know whats going on - first time african violet. set on east facing window

Featured Answer

Billsc

2 years ago

I would like to come at this problem from a different angle, solely based on the photo of the plant. If the pot shown is what it is potted in, and if there is no drainage hole in the bottom of that pot, then I believe the plant is dying from lack of water. If there is a hole in the bottom of the pot, I believe the plant is dying from lack of water, it just took it longer to get there. The plant at some time in the recent past appears to have been severely over watered, and has or had root rot. When the roots rot, the plant has no mechanism to transport water, and it perishes from lack of water, when in fact it may be sitting in a pot filled with water and soaked potting soil. This is a very prevalent problem in home grown orchids, and I must admit I have been known to loose a few African Violets to this problem also. Knock it out of the pot and let us know what you find.

BillSC

Comments (8)

aegis1000
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Well ... the blooms are dying down, That's normal ... the blooms might last for a month, then die down like on any other plant. You can easily remove the dead blossoms by snapping their stems off of the main trunk ... or cutting them, if you wish ... to remove the blooms that are faded.

In a few months, your plant will bloom again, provided it gets good care ... and enough natural or LED light.

Click on the link below ... to access a source of good tips for keeping your violet healthy and blooming ... https://www.optimara.com/africanvioletcare1.html
stillinwisconsin
2 years ago
Leaves look wilted is it dehydrated? proper drainage?

pinch those spent blooms off
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Great job! It is a beautiful shade of green that contrasts so well with the deep color of the flower. I wish I could post a photo of my Marie Lorraine plants for you, they are blooming their heads off. It is one of my favorites. It stays compact, but the blooms just get bigger and more of them with each bloom cycle. The color also gets richer and darker. The description says they are supposed to have fantasy markings, Mine don't, they have a wide glitter edge in a deeper shade of the same color, but no fantasy. I grow in natural light, so it probably does not bring out the fantasy the way fluorescent lights do. I am happy with them just as they are. It is also a strong plant, not fussy at all. The hybridizer is no longer with us, so treasure that plant! It is hard to get! I know how to post a photo to an email but I still have not figured out yet how to post to the forum. that will be my next project. Many folks have given instructions, so I will try to do that soon. The photos are saved on my phone. Joanne
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Rosie1949
2 years ago
Take off all dead blossoms. I have a feeling you have underwatered it. Is that just a cover pot? Is the violet in its own pot inside of this one? If not and this is the pot it grows in do you have a drainage hole, if not then you need to repot into something with drainage holes. Then you can put it into a cover pot but make sure it is at least 1/2 inch clearance all the way around for proper air flow.

About watering. No matter what pot you pot it in, water it, let the water drain into a container and let the plant sit in that water and soak up what it needs for about 20 minutes or so. Rarely is a plant watered THOROUGHLY by just watering from the top. The entire root ball has to be watered, then drained each time you water. If you don't get the entire root ball watered, roots will start to die. And plant will fail. Rosie
stillinwisconsin
2 years ago
Depends on your soil and pots but i wouldnt let my AV’s sit in water for 20 minutes … i use african violet potting soil and in 20 minutes they’d be so saturated i would have to repot them and i have large drain holes in my pots

my pots are also glazed ceramic … which im rethinking at this point
Rosie1949
2 years ago
I use a light soil mix,,,,should have said that. But I will guarantee that plant is not being watered thoroughly, and maybe soil mix should be adapted a little. Rosie
stillinwisconsin
2 years ago
Rosie what soil do you use? and yes i agree it looks underwatered

i keep thinking my soil is my problem but i think its my ceramic pots My AV’s are getting mildew i dint think the pots breathe well
Rosie1949
2 years ago
I mix 50% perlite and 50% MiracleGro potting mix. I also wick water. Sometimes I will add a little more perlite because I do want a light soil because of wicking. Hey it works for me. Just don't forget to fill reservoirs with fertilizer water every now and then! lol Rosie

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