African violets are houseplants with vibrant flowers and lush foliage. But African violet leaves and flowers are vulnerable to problems from improper care routines. If your African violet dies, take the time to examine it and determine the cause.
So why is my African violet dying? African violets can die from too much water, the wrong type of soil, lack of moisture, lack of water, and extreme temperatures. Other possible causes include over-fertilization, pests and disease.
How to save a dying African violet may seem simple, but you need to learn a thing or two. Keep reading this article to identify the signs and reasons why an African violet plant is dying. We also shared tips for saving a dying African violet.
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Signs of a Dying African Violet Plant
African violets are among the few houseplants with short-lived flowers. Below are the signs and symptoms of a dying African violet:
growth retardation
Stunting is caused by malnutrition, inconsistent watering habits, pests, and overwatering. The root binding effect is also characterized by stunted growth in African violets.
hanging leaves
A dying African violet experiences fallen leaves. Plant death is caused by dehydration, direct sunlight, low humidity and extreme temperatures. Hanging African violet leaves can also be caused by too much water, hot and cold drafts.
Stem and crown rot
A dying African violet is characterized by stem, leaf and crown rot problems. Stems and crowns often develop spots or lesions before turning dark brown. Stem and crown rot occurs as a result of excess water and fungal growth.
The leaves turn brown
If you notice the tips and edges of the leaves of your African violets turning brown, the houseplant is likely dying. Direct sunlight, excessive fertilization and low humidity are the factors responsible for its demise.
The leaves are turning yellow
African violets stay healthy and vibrant for about ten months. Older leaves are likely to yellow naturally. They will wither, die and fall off the plant after turning yellow. Other possible causes of yellowing African violet leaves include overwatering and pests.
brown spots on the leaves
Bacterial or fungal leaf spot disease can also be the cause of death in an African violet plant. The lesions grow and coalesce to form larger ones before killing the houseplant in the long run. This leaf spot disease is caused by over-watering and plant diseases.
Wilted flowers and leaves
African violets bloom in spring and summer in indirect full sun. But if you don’t water the lush leaves and vibrant flowers wither. A dying African violet is characterized by wilting.
Hanging flowers and loss of flowers.
Vibrant blooms are indicators that your African violet is healthy. African violets with faded flowers are signs of distress or possibly a dying plant. Flowers falling from your African violet are also a red flag to watch out for.
10 Reasons Why African Violets Are Dying
Mistakes are inevitable when growing African violet plants. Below are the common causes of a dying African violet:
very little water
African violets are tropical flowering plants that prefer moderate watering to thrive. An underwater African violet is characterized by leaves that turn brown and shrivel.
We recommend watering your African Violet weekly in spring and summer (warmer months). This will help reduce the characteristics of a dying African violet. But reduce watering frequency during winter due to dormancy effect.
Too much water
Overwatering is another cause of death by African violets. Excess moisture in the potting mix promotes root rot and fungal growth which inhibits the uptake of water and essential nutrients.
Leaves that turn yellow and brown are signs of overwatering. Severe root rot can lead to plant death. We advise you to repot your African violet to prevent it from dying. The rule of thumb is to cut and sterilize affected root regions before transplanting.
lack of humidity
African violets are native to tropical regions with high humidity. But indoor growing conditions are vulnerable to fluctuations. Average indoor humidity will force your African violet to show symptoms of death.
Installing an electric humidifier will help alleviate these symptoms as it will increase the humidity around the plant. Low humidity causes the tips and edges to be African purple brown.
Wrong type of soil
African violets thrive in light, well-drained soil. The roots undergo sufficient aeration to promote their physiological activities. Heavy, compacted soil will increase root choking and cause African violet dieback.
Heavy, compacted soil has poor drainage systems that make it easy to soak. African violet roots are sensitive to excess moisture and can develop root rot. Severe root rot will kill your potted African violet.
Over-fertilization
African violets are among the few flowering houseplants that require minimal fertilization to thrive. But too much fertilizer will lead to excessive salt buildup which can burn the roots.
African violet leaves dropping and turning brown are the first signs of dieback. We recommend flushing the potting mix with distilled water or repotting your African violet. Another option is to consider using homemade houseplant fertilizers.
Plagues and diseases
If you notice signs of an African violet dying, consider examining the plant while you water to determine the exact cause. Pests and leaf spots can be the cause.
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to kill insects and fungicide to treat leaf spots. We also recommend isolating the African violet from other houseplants to prevent the spread of pests and disease.
Root-bound effect
African violets are fast-growing tropical houseplants as they gain two inches each month. If your African Violet has overgrown its current pot, it will experience rooting effects.
Leaf wilting and flower drop are the main symptoms. We recommend that you transplant your African violet into a larger pot with fresh potting soil. This is the best way to save a dying African violet from a stuck root.
extreme temperature
African violets are the only tropical plants sensitive to temperature changes. The houseplant thrives in a temperature range of 60-80OF (16-27OC). Any higher or lower temperature will force the plant to experience dieback symptoms.
Keep your plant away from drafts, air conditioners and heating vents. Install a digital thermometer in your indoor space to detect temperature changes. Also make sure there is enough ventilation in the living room.
nutritional deficiencies
African violets are poor feeders compared to other tropical houseplants. But this tropical houseplant needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to enhance the plant’s lush, vibrant growth and flowering.
Lack of nutrients can also be the cause of the death of an African violet. We recommend feeding your houseplant every spring and summer. Do not apply fertilizer to your African violet in the winter, as it is dormant.
Incorrect lighting conditions.
African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. These tropical flowering plants grow under the canopy in their natural habitat. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will burn the leaves and cause them to wilt.
If you see sunburned leaves on African violets, move the plants to a location with direct and indirect sunlight. We also recommend rehydrating the houseplant to prevent it from dying. Direct sunlight in the early morning or early evening is safe for African violets.
my last thoughts
African violet dieback can be a concern for beginners and seasonal plant enthusiasts. We recommend that you learn legitimate advice on: How are African violets cared for? and avoid the above symptoms.
African violets are one of the few temperamental tropical houseplants that require the utmost care to thrive. Any small mistake can be the cause of the death of an African violet plant.
We have the information to help you identify the early symptoms of a dying African violet and tips for saving it. Feel free to share your thoughts or suggestions in the comments section.
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