Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turn pale yellow starting from lower leaves, may progress throughout the plant with soft, limp texture Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to waterlogged soil and oxygen-starved roots
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if limited to bottom leaves)
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen or iron

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top inch to dry between waterings
• Remove affected yellow leaves to prevent fungal issues
• Feed with balanced African violet fertilizer (1/4 strength) every 2 weeks

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule using room temperature water, ensure proper drainage, and fertilize regularly during growing season

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, spots may appear on leaf surfaces, texture becomes papery Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 40%)
• Direct sunlight exposure causing leaf burn
• Fluoride/chlorine sensitivity from tap water

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or group plants together
• Move plant away from direct sun to bright, filtered light
• Switch to distilled or rainwater for watering

Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity, provide bright indirect light only, and use room temperature filtered water

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves and stems lose turgor and droop despite adequate soil moisture Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering
• Extreme temperature fluctuations
• Transplant shock after repotting

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot; trim damaged roots and repot in fresh soil
• Move plant to stable temperature location (65-75°F)
• Minimize watering and misting until plant recovers

Prevention: Water only when top inch of soil is dry, maintain stable temperatures, and repot gently during spring

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly drop from the plant, starting with older leaves Common Causes:

• Cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F
• Sudden environmental changes
• Pest infestation weakening the plant

Solutions:

• Move plant away from windows, doors, and AC vents
• Gradually acclimate plant to new locations
• Inspect for pests and treat accordingly

Prevention: Keep plant in consistent environment away from drafts, make changes gradually, and inspect regularly for pests

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant stops producing new leaves, existing leaves remain small, no flowering for extended periods Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots with no room to grow
• Insufficient light levels
• Nutrient depletion in old soil

Solutions:

• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger with fresh African violet mix
• Move to brighter location with filtered light
• Begin regular feeding schedule with balanced fertilizer

Prevention: Repot every 12-18 months, provide 10-12 hours of bright indirect light, and maintain consistent feeding schedule

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long leaf stems, sparse foliage, plant reaching toward light source Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing etiolation
• Overcrowding with other plants
• Uneven light exposure

Solutions:

• Move closer to light source or add grow lights
• Give plant adequate space for air circulation
• Rotate plant weekly for even growth

Prevention: Provide adequate bright, indirect light, rotate plant regularly, and ensure proper spacing between plants

Pest Problems

Cyclamen Mites

Identification: Microscopic pests causing distorted, curled new growth with grayish appearance Damage Signs: Stunted, twisted center leaves, failure to bloom, brittle leaf texture Treatment:

• Isolate infected plant immediately
• Apply miticide specifically labeled for cyclamen mites
• Remove and destroy severely affected leaves Prevention: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks, maintain good air circulation, inspect regularly with magnifying glass

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like clusters in leaf joints and crown Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, yellowing, stunted growth Treatment:

• Dab visible bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Apply insecticidal soap spray weekly
• For severe infestations, use systemic insecticide Prevention: Regular inspection of crown and leaf undersides, quarantine new plants, maintain plant hygiene

Thrips

Identification: Tiny, slender insects that move quickly when disturbed Damage Signs: Silver streaks on leaves, distorted flowers, pollen scattered on petals Treatment:

• Blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce population
• Spray with spinosad or neem oil
• Remove affected flowers and buds Prevention: Screen windows if plants are near them, inspect new plants carefully, remove spent flowers promptly

Disease Issues

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Soft, mushy crown center, foul odor, leaves detach easily Causes: Water sitting in crown, overwatering, poor air circulation Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile knife
• Dust cuts with cinnamon or fungicide
• Repot in fresh, sterile soil mix Prevention: Water from bottom or carefully around edges, ensure good drainage, avoid splashing water on crown

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and flowers Causes: High humidity with poor air circulation, overcrowding Treatment:

• Improve air circulation immediately
• Apply fungicide labeled for African violets
• Remove severely affected leaves Prevention: Space plants adequately, maintain moderate humidity with good airflow, avoid overhead watering

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, musty soil odor Identification: Roots are brown/black and mushy instead of white and firm Treatment:

• Remove plant from pot and trim all diseased roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix
• Water sparingly until new growth appears Prevention: Use well-draining African violet mix, ensure pots have drainage holes, never let plant sit in water

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, water runs through quickly, stunted growth Identification: Roots visible through drainage holes, solid root mass when removed from pot Treatment:

• Gently tease apart root ball
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• Trim any circling roots to encourage outward growth Prevention: Check roots annually, repot when roots fill 2/3 of pot, use appropriate pot size

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, darkened water-soaked spots on leaves Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 60°F or above 80°F, cold water on leaves Treatment: Move to stable temperature area, remove damaged leaves, reduce watering temporarily Prevention: Maintain 65-75°F consistently, use room temperature water, protect from drafts

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, slow growth, failure to bloom High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft rot, pest problems Solutions: Use humidity trays for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity with good airflow, monitor with hygrometer

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached yellow leaves, brown spots, compact growth Too Little Light: Elongated stems, pale leaves, no flowering Solutions: Adjust distance from light source, use sheer curtains to filter, or supplement with grow lights Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light for 10-12 hours daily, avoid direct sun exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant continues declining despite treatment efforts
• Unable to identify pest or disease
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering (top inch should be dry)
• [ ] Inspect for pests weekly, especially in crown and leaf undersides
• [ ] Rotate plant quarter turn weekly for even growth
• [ ] Clean leaves monthly with soft brush to remove dust
• [ ] Fertilize every 2 weeks during growing season with 1/4 strength solution
• [ ] Monitor temperature and humidity levels regularly

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove affected parts, adjust care conditions, begin appropriate treatment Week 2-3: New growth should begin emerging if treatment is successful, continue monitoring Month 1+: Full recovery with consistent new growth and possible flower bud formation

Remember: Most Saintpaulia 'An-Rio Rita' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.