When I first started growing and caring for my African Violets, I struggled with root rot issues for about three years. African violets are hardy tropical houseplants, but their root systems are sensitive to excess moisture.
Identifying an African violet plant that is suffering from root rot is a simple task. The most common symptoms of African violet rot are foul-smelling loam, distorted leaves, soft stems, wilting and growth retardation.
Identifying the signs and symptoms of root rot in these houseplants may seem simple, but it can be difficult for beginners. We wrote this article to share the signs, causes, and tips for saving an African violet from root rot.
Contents
5 Common Signs of African Violet Root Rot
Identifying root rot in African violets can be difficult for beginners and other houseplant enthusiasts. (Character font: University of Florida). Here are the signs of African violet rot:
Tender brown carrots
A healthy African violet plant has firm, white or gray root systems. An African Violet plant with a fungal disease has soft, dark brown root systems that are soft to the touch. If the condition persists for an extended period, your African violet will die.
leaf discoloration
African violets have rosettes of rounded, velvety leaves with scalloped edges. The leaves are usually dark green with red or variegated undersides. Root rot causes leaves to turn yellow with brown scars.
leaves falling
Severe root rot will cause your African violet to have leaf drop problems. The fungal disease usually damages the roots and inhibits their functionality. Malnutrition also contributes to African violet leaf drop.
growth retardation
Damaged African violet roots inhibit the absorption of water and essential nutrients. The problem results in a rapid decline in plant health and the production of small, pale leaves. Plus, the plant won’t bring a tropical vibe to your living space.
withering
Water is an essential element for African violets as it facilitates the absorption and distribution of nutrients. Roots damaged by a fungal disease prevent the absorption of water from the soil and cause the plant to wilt.
7 Causes of African Violet Root Rot
African violets are hardy tropical houseplants, although they are very susceptible to root rot problems. Below are the most common causes of root rot in African violets:
pot size
A large or small pot will damage your African violet in several ways. For example, a pot that is too big contains more water than the plant needs. Excess moisture promotes fungal growth and increases the risk of root rot.
Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common cause of root rot in African violets. Pests and bacterial diseases can make your houseplant sickly and susceptible to root rot problems. These diseases cause your plant to emit a characteristic fishy smell.
give too much water
African violets thrive in a moist environment that never gets soggy. Too much water will fill the air bubbles in the potting soil and smother the roots. Swampy land encourages suffocated roots to experience root rot.
irregular graft
African violets are fast-growing tropical houseplants and like to be transplanted year-round. If you don’t repot your African violet, the roots will become malnourished and stressed. Therefore, they will become vulnerable to root rot in the long run.
irregular watering
Another cause of root rot in African violets is inconsistent watering habits. Exposing your African violet roots to drought for long periods of time will cause the young tips to die and rot soon after you water them. Rot increases the risk of fungal growth that kills the plant.
bad drainage system
African violets thrive in light, well-drained potting soil. Heavy, compacted soil causes waterlogging, which means the roots are waterlogged. The problem usually occurs with pots without drainage holes in the bottom to remove excess water. Tired and stagnant water causes root rot.
extreme temperature changes
African violets prefer a temperature range of 60-80OF (16-27OC). Any higher or lower temperature will force the plant to become sickly. The unhealthy African violet is prone to root rot when watered during cold and hot months.
How to save an African violet from root rot?
It can be difficult to save an African violet from severe root rot. We recommend discarding or propagating the plant. Below are quick steps to saving an African violet from root rot:
Step 1 – stop watering
If you see the above signs of root rot on your African violet, stop watering to allow the potting mix to dry out. Be sure to remove any pans or saucers so the water can drain completely from the pan.
Step 2 – Cut off infected leaves
Use clean, sterilized scissors to cut off the dying leaves of the African violet. We recommend starting with the lower leaves and working your way up to the crown. Remove any leaves that don’t have a velvety green appearance.
Step 3: Remove the plant from the pot
Carefully remove the plant from the pot so the roots can air dry overnight. Small African violets dry out in four to five hours. Place the plant in the shade to avoid sunburn.
Step 4 – Cut Infected Roots
Examine the root parts with brown spots and cut them off. You can also cut off soft or brittle roots to prevent the rot from spreading.
Step 5: Treat the roots with a fungicide
Use a commercially available fungicide to treat the roots before transplanting them into a new pot of soil. Helps eliminate all traces of fungal growth around the roots. Take precautions, as these powerful chemicals can pose risks near our homes and houseplants.
Step 6 – Transplant to New Pot and New Soil
Use a new pot and fresh potting soil to avoid reinfection. Sterilize the new container and tools before handling the African violet. Make sure the fresh potting mix has excellent drainage and the pot has several drainage holes.
Step 7 – Water After Transplanting
Water your African violet after it has adjusted to the new environment. Soak the potting soil with distilled water or rainwater to hydrate the plant. Allow 2 to 3 inches of the top soil to dry out before watering again.
Step 8: Provide African Violet Care
Keep your African violet in a location with direct sunlight and consistent temperature to promote healthy growth. Water the plant when 2 to 3 inches of topsoil is dry and provide high humidity with adequate ventilation.
my last thoughts
African violet root rot can be a concern because you could lose your favorite houseplant. Additionally, dealing with root rot can be a daunting experience for beginners and seasonal plant enthusiasts.
We hope this information will help you identify early symptoms of root rot and techniques to correct them. Take the time to read and save your African violet plant suffering from root rot. Feel free to share this article with your friends or family.
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