Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow starting from lower leaves, may progress upward if untreated. Yellow coloration may be pale or bright yellow. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to poor root oxygenation
• Natural aging of older leaves
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow top inch to dry between waterings
• Remove yellowed leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 2-3 weeks

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule and feed regularly during growing season

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turn brown and crispy, may progress inward. Texture becomes papery and brittle. Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 40%)
• Direct sunlight exposure
• Fertilizer burn from over-feeding

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifier
• Move to bright indirect light location
• Flush soil with water to remove excess salts

Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity and provide filtered light only

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves lose turgidity and hang limply despite adequate soil moisture. Entire plant may appear deflated. Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering
• Temperature stress (below 60°F or above 80°F)
• Transplant shock

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot and trim damaged portions
• Move to stable temperature location (65-75°F)
• Reduce watering and provide high humidity during recovery

Prevention: Use well-draining soil mix and maintain stable environment

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly drop from the plant. May affect multiple leaves simultaneously. Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature changes
• Draft exposure from windows or vents
• Stress from repotting

Solutions:

• Relocate away from drafts and temperature fluctuations
• Maintain consistent care routine during adjustment period
• Provide extra humidity to reduce stress

Prevention: Choose stable location and avoid frequent moving

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Plant produces smaller leaves than normal, slow or no new growth despite growing season Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots restricting growth
• Insufficient light levels
• Nutrient depletion in old soil

Solutions:

• Repot into container 1-2 inches larger with fresh soil
• Move closer to bright window or supplement with grow light
• Begin regular feeding schedule with African violet fertilizer

Prevention: Repot every 1-2 years and maintain proper nutrition

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with widely spaced leaves, plant reaching toward light source Common Causes:

• Insufficient light intensity
• Uneven light distribution
• Overcrowding with other plants

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location or add supplemental lighting
• Rotate plant weekly for even growth
• Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth

Prevention: Provide 10-12 hours of bright indirect light daily

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Identification: White cottony masses in leaf joints and undersides, sticky honeydew residue Damage Signs: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, sooty mold on honeydew Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Spray with insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks
• Isolate infected plant to prevent spread Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing, maintain good air circulation

Thrips

Identification: Tiny (1-2mm) slender insects, silver or bronze leaf streaks Damage Signs: Distorted leaves, silver stippling, flower damage Treatment:

• Apply neem oil spray every 5-7 days
• Use blue sticky traps to monitor population
• Remove heavily damaged leaves Prevention: Quarantine new plants, regular leaf inspection

Cyclamen Mites

Identification: Microscopic mites causing twisted, brittle new growth Damage Signs: Stunted, curled leaves, brittle texture, loss of flowering Treatment:

• Dispose of severely infected plants (difficult to treat)
• Try miticide specifically for cyclamen mites
• Isolate and monitor nearby plants Prevention: Buy from reputable sources, maintain lower humidity around crown

Disease Issues

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Soft, mushy crown tissue, foul odor, wilting despite moist soil Causes: Water accumulation in crown, poor air circulation, contaminated tools Treatment:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile knife
• Dust cuts with fungicide or cinnamon
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix Prevention: Water from bottom or edges, never in crown center

Botrytis (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold on leaves and flowers, brown spots spreading rapidly Causes: High humidity combined with poor air circulation, old flowers left on plant Treatment:

• Remove all affected parts immediately
• Improve air circulation with fan
• Apply fungicide if severe Prevention: Remove spent flowers promptly, space plants adequately

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, musty soil smell, plant easily lifts from pot Identification: Brown, mushy roots instead of white, firm ones Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash all soil from roots
• Cut away all brown, soft roots with sterile scissors
• Repot in fresh, well-draining mix Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes, allow soil to partially dry between waterings

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots circling pot bottom, water runs through quickly, frequent wilting Identification: Dense root mat visible at drainage holes, roots lifting plant Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots
• Repot in container 1-2 inches larger
• Trim excess roots if severely bound Prevention: Check annually and repot when roots fill 2/3 of pot

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, blackened leaf edges Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 55°F or above 85°F, cold drafts Treatment: Move to stable environment, remove damaged foliage, reduce watering temporarily Prevention: Keep away from windows in winter, air conditioners in summer

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, flower bud drop, increased pest susceptibility High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth, soft spots on leaves, crown rot risk Solutions: Use humidity tray for low humidity, increase air circulation for high humidity Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity with good air movement

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached leaves, brown patches, stunted growth Too Little Light: Pale leaves, no flowering, leggy growth Solutions: Adjust distance from window or use sheer curtains for filtering Prevention: Provide bright indirect light, avoid direct sun exposure

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant declining despite treatment after 2 weeks
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unsure of pest or disease identification

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Water only when top inch of soil is dry
• [ ] Provide bright indirect light (no direct sun)
• [ ] Maintain 50-60% humidity
• [ ] Feed monthly during growing season
• [ ] Inspect weekly for pests and diseases
• [ ] Repot every 1-2 years with fresh soil

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care conditions, monitor closely Week 2-3: New growth should begin if recovery successful, maintain stable care Month 1+: Full recovery with new healthy leaves, resume normal fertilizing

Remember: Most Streptocarpus 'Sphinx' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.