I started growing and caring for African Violets about five years ago. It has been an exciting and enjoyable experience so far. However, I have struggled with several leaf issues despite the latest African Violet care regimen.
So why are my African violet leaves turning brown? Possible causes include direct sun exposure, extreme temperature changes, improper watering and over-fertilization. Dry air, pests, and disease are minor causes of brown African violet leaves.
If your African violet’s leaves are starting to turn brown, consider adjusting the current environmental conditions. The information in this article highlights techniques for identifying the exact cause of brown leaves on African violets and their respective solutions.
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Contents
Reasons Why African Violet Leaves Turn Brown
Managing African violet brown leaves is a simple task as it involves adapting environmental factors to meet the growing demands of African violets. but live again The leaves of African violets are drying it can be a daunting experience.
The rule of thumb is to troubleshoot your houseplant and identify the exact cause of leaf browning. The information helps you take action to correct blade problems. Here are the reasons for this: brown leaves on african violet with their respective mounting tips.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. The houseplant can also tolerate low light, although it experiences stunted growth and yellow african violet leaves.
Burnt African Violet Leaves due to direct exposure to sunlight. The African Violet Sunscreen Leaves spoil the general appearance of the plant.
I recommend moving the houseplant to a location that receives direct and indirect sunlight. Place your African violet plant near the window with sheers and curtains to reduce the intensity of sunlight.
Another option is to grow and maintain African violets under artificial light. Reduces the stress of dealing with burnt or sunburned leaves.
Don’t forget to prune the lower brown leaves to help the plant conserve energy and food. Also, water your houseplant as needed.
Over-fertilization problems
African violets are among the nutrient-poor tropical plants. These nutrients help facilitate vegetative growth and flowering.
Most varieties of African violets are sensitive to fertilizers. Brown tips and edges of African violet leaves are due to over-fertilization.
Overfeeding your African violets is toxic and can even kill them. Brown spots on leaves and wilting of plants are other symptoms of overfertilization.
I recommend rinsing the potting soil with distilled water to remove excess fertilizer salt. The technique will help dissolve the golden leaves of African violets.
Another option is to use a homemade houseplant fertilizer to avoid the overfeeding problem. Organic fertilizer slowly releases nutrients into the soil.
Be sure to read my guide Make homemade fertilizer for indoor plants.. This saves you from having to flush the potting soil every three months.
lack of humidity
African violets come from the tropical Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, with 70-80% humidity. Relative humidity makes this houseplant cheerful and healthy.
But this tropical flowering plant can also handle humidity indoors. Make sure indoor humidity does not drop below 50%.
Low humidity increases the rate of transpiration which dries out the plant. Prolonged exposure to dry air causes the leaves of the African violet to turn brown.
Use an electric humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant and prevent leaf discoloration. Another option is to group African violets together to increase the humidity between them.
Avoid misting the leaves in a poorly ventilated area to avoid leaf spots and bacterial or fungal infestations. Make sure indoor plants get good air circulation with high humidity.
Root rot due to excess water
The root system of African violets is sensitive to excess soil moisture. Waterlogged soil will smother the roots and eventually kill the plant.
Brown spots and drooping leaves are the first signs of root rot from overwatering. The problem occurs due to poor soil drainage and lack of drainage holes in the pot.
I recommend growing African violets in a fast-draining potting soil. Add perlite to the potting mix to promote a better drainage system.
Reduce the frequency of watering to allow the soil to dry out. The best option is to transplant the African violet into a new pot with fresh potting soil.
Plan a strict watering routine to avoid problems with too much or too little water. Solving problems with too little water is easier than problems with too much water.
pest infestations
Improper care of African violets makes these houseplants vulnerable to insect infestation. These pests drain nutrients and water from the leaves.
The mechanical damage caused by regular piercings leads to the formation of dark spots. These spots are a channel for bacterial or fungal infections.
Use an insecticidal soap spray to remove these sap-sucking critters from the plant. Always inspect the leaves when watering the houseplant to avoid mite infestation.
Remember to isolate the plant with pests to prevent spread. Make sure the isolated houseplant receives the utmost care to prevent further problems from arising.
normal aging process
Brown leaves of the African violet are not always related to underlying issues. Sometimes it can be a normal aging process with your houseplant.
The older leaves of the plant are vulnerable to discoloration. I recommend cutting these leaves with a sharp, sterilized plant to save energy.
You don’t have to worry about your tropical flowering plant. Focus on giving your African violet the proper care to enjoy its showy leaves and flowers.
You may also read: African Violet Leaf Curls (Causes & Solutions)
Why are my African Violet leaves drying out?
Underwater, low humidity and direct exposure to sunlight are possible causes of African violet leaves drying out. Try examining your plant to identify and resolve the exact causes.
Why Are My African Violet Leaves Turning Dark Green?
Low light is the main reason behind the dark green leaves. Move the houseplant to a location that receives indirect sunlight or use artificial light.
Why Are My African Violet Leaves Turning Black?
Improper watering and fungal growth are the reasons African violet leaves turn black. I recommend examining the plant to find and correct the exact cause.
Last word
Problems with African violets are inevitable. The best option is to focus on better care regimens to minimize these leaf issues. do not hesitate to read How to Care for African Violet Plants?.
I hope this information helps resolve African violet leaf browning. Rust on African violet leaves is caused by tarnishing and dusting.
Feel free to share this information with other indoor plant enthusiasts in your community. Leave a comment about your experience with brown leaves on African violet plants.
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