I have been growing indoor plants since childhood. African violets are my favorite houseplants for their showy leaves and flowers. But I have been struggling with the problem of dead leaves for ten years.
So why are my African violet leaves falling off? Insufficient water supply is the main reason for the leaf problem and it is due to the owner’s inconsistent watering routine. Root rot from overwatering is another cause of African violet leaf drop.
I have written this article to lay out all the causes of African violet leaf drop and their respective solutions. Don’t worry if your African violet starts to wilt and its leaves begin to drop, because this comprehensive guide has you covered.
Contents
Reasons to Hang African Violet Leaves
Growing and maintaining African violets indoors or outdoors is a snap. But the owner must replicate the growing conditions of their original habitat for successful growth. African violet leaf drop is unavoidable, despite compliance with the requirements.
Most houseplant enthusiasts in the United States encounter the foliage problem several times a year. The rule of thumb is to stay calm and examine your favorite houseplant to determine the exact cause. Below are common causes of: Hanging leaves of African violet:
Inconsistent watering habit
African violets prefer slightly moist soil to thrive. The water content helps distribute nutrients around the plant and keeps vital cells swollen to maintain an upright posture.
Dry soil dries out the houseplant and causes hanging leaf problems. Insufficient watering is the main reason for plant desiccation.
Solving the underwater problem is a simple task. Soak the potting soil until excess water runs out of the drainage holes. Let the plant drink water and solve the problem.
If dry soil conditions persist, the African violet will begin to wilt and the leaves will turn brown or crisp. Stick your index finger into 2 to 3 inches of topsoil to determine the moisture content.
African violets use more water in spring and summer to promote vegetative growth. Be sure to reduce the frequency of watering in winter due to the dormancy effect.
Root rot due to excess water
Overwatering is another major cause of African violet leaf drop. Delicate root systems cannot endure soggy soil for long.
The wet condition usually smothers the roots and causes life-threatening diseases. Damaged roots cannot absorb water and vital mineral salts.
The problem of leaf drop involves insufficient water supply around the plant. Yellow leaves of African violet are also other symptoms of overwatering.
The golden rule for reviving an overwatered African violet is to repot it. Carefully uproot the houseplant and cut off the brown spots on the root system with a sterilized knife.
Transplant the houseplant to a new pot with fresh potting soil. Plan a strict watering routine to avoid long-term improper watering problems.
If the entire root system has rotted due to overwatering, I recommend tossing the houseplant to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Overfertilization effect
African violets are light-eating houseplants compared to other tropical plants. But the nutrients in the fertilizer help facilitate vegetative growth and flowering.
Too much fertilizer can cause African violet leaves to drop. The problem occurs as a result of burning fertilizers or root systems.
The salts accumulated in the potting soil also drain the water from the houseplant. Excessive water loss leads to desiccation and long-term wilting of the plant.
I recommend flushing the potting soil every three months to remove the nutrients from the fertilizer. Also follow the manufacturer’s directions on the houseplant fertilizer packet.
Fertilize your African violet every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer. Don’t feed your houseplant in the winter to avoid excessive fertilizer buildup in the potting mix.
high indoor temperature
Potted African violets are comfortable at room temperature. The condition allows the houseplant to carry out its physiological activities without any problems.
65-75OF (18-24.)OC) is the correct temperature range for African violets in the home. Any temperature above or below the requirements will damage your favorite tropical flowering plant.
The hanging leaves of the African violet are produced when the indoor temperature is above 80°F. The heat can also scorch the leaves and even kill the houseplant.
I recommend keeping the African violet away from areas with hot drafts. Keep the houseplant away from radiators, air vents, and other heat sources to avoid dead or crusted leaves.
Use a digital thermometer to monitor indoor temperatures day and night. Try to match indoor conditions to those of your tropical flowering plant.
transplant shock
African violets have delicate root systems that are vulnerable to damage from disturbance. But these indoor plants are prone to root problems every 2-3 years.
It’s understandable to repot your African violet because of a root problem. So don’t worry if you find yourself African violet leaves fall off after transplanting.
I recommend giving the African violet the best care after transplanting. Fallen leaves turn yellow, then turn brown and eventually fall off.
Your African violet will take 2 to 3 weeks to acclimatize to the new soil. Follow the Watering African Violets treatment to prevent further problems.
direct sun exposure
African violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will burn or scorch your houseplant’s leaves.
African violet drooping leaves are the most common symptom of direct sun exposure. The heat of the sun promotes excessive water loss, causing the houseplant to dry out.
African violet leaves turn brown they are another indicator of direct sun exposure. I recommend moving your houseplant to an area that receives direct and indirect sunlight.
Artificial light is a great option for growing and caring for your African violets. Most tropical plants thrive under the canopy in their natural habitat.
African violets can tolerate low light, but will experience stunted growth and yellow leaves. Try to make sure the houseplant can meet your light needs.
low humidity
Most tropical rainforests have a high level of humidity to ensure the vegetation remains happy and healthy throughout the year. All houseplant parents should breed this condition at home.
Low humidity promotes faster water loss from African violet leaves. Leaf tissue eventually becomes dehydrated and weakened.
The hanging leaves and stems of African violets indicate a lack of moisture. African violet leaves turn brown along the edges and tips are other symptoms of low humidity.
Use an electric humidifier to increase the indoor humidity around the plant to solve drooping issues. Leaf misting is another great option for increasing humidity.
I also recommend moving the African Violet to the bathroom due to frequent use of water which increases humidity. Some people prefer to group indoor plants together to increase humidity.
Why are the leaves of my African violets curling?
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is the main reason for curly African violet leaves. Move the houseplant to a place that receives direct sunlight to solve the problem. Learn more about African violet curls.
Why Are My African Violet Leaves Turning Yellow?
Improper watering and insufficient sun exposure are possible causes of yellowing African violet leaves. Examine your plant to determine the exact cause and fix it.
Why Are My African Violet Leaves Turning Brown?
Too wet or dry soil is the main cause of African violet leaf browning. Inspect the moisture content of the potting soil to identify and correct the cause of the leaf problem.
Last word
African violets are the most popular indoor plants here in the United States of America. Thanks to its striking foliage and easy maintenance routines.
The vibrant dark green leaves that fall can be disconcerting. I recommend examining the houseplant to discover and correct the exact cause.
I hope this information helps you solve your African violet leaf drop problems. Feel free to share this information with other houseplant enthusiasts who have the same problem.
It is best to read my guide to caring for African violets for detailed information. Do you want to know more about How to Care for an African Violet Plant??
You may also be interested in: Why Do My African Violet Leaves Have Spots?