Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Lower leaves turning pale yellow while veins remain green, progressing to entire leaf yellowing. Older leaves affected first, spreading upward if untreated. Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to poor oxygen circulation in roots
• Natural aging of older leaves (normal if limited to bottom leaves)
• Nitrogen deficiency from insufficient feeding during growing season

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture - allow top inch to dry between waterings, adjust watering frequency
• Remove yellowed leaves promptly to redirect energy to healthy growth
• Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to 1/4 strength) during spring and summer

Prevention: Maintain consistent watering schedule based on soil moisture rather than calendar days. Use well-draining African violet potting mix to prevent waterlogging.

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf edges turning brown and crispy, progressing inward. Tips may curl and become papery. Affects newer growth more severely than established leaves. Common Causes:

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

Solutions:

• Increase humidity to 50-60% using pebble trays or room humidifier
• Switch to filtered or rainwater, or let tap water sit 24 hours before use
• Move plant away from direct sun exposure - provide bright, indirect light only

Prevention: Group plants together to create humidity microclimate. Position away from heating vents and air conditioners. Use curtains to filter strong sunlight.

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves becoming limp and losing turgor despite moist soil. Entire plant may appear deflated. Leaves feel soft rather than crispy. Common Causes:

• Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
• Severe underwatering causing cell collapse
• Temperature shock from sudden environmental changes

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot - trim affected areas and repot in fresh, sterile soil
• If underwatered, gradually rehydrate with small amounts of water over several hours
• Move to stable temperature location (65-75°F) away from drafts

Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes. Water thoroughly but infrequently. Maintain stable room temperatures and avoid placing near doors or windows with drafts.

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy-looking leaves suddenly dropping off, starting with lower foliage. May affect multiple leaves simultaneously without yellowing first. Common Causes:

• Sudden temperature drops below 55°F
• Transplant shock after repotting
• Pest infestation weakening plant structure

Solutions:

• Maintain temperatures above 60°F, especially at night
• Minimize root disturbance during repotting - water well afterward
• Inspect for pests and treat immediately if found

Prevention: Acclimate plants gradually to new locations. Repot only when necessary in spring. Regular pest inspections during watering.

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth during active season. Existing leaves remain small. Flowering reduced or absent despite proper care. Common Causes:

• Pot-bound roots restricting nutrient uptake
• Insufficient light levels for active growth
• Depleted soil nutrients after extended time without repotting

Solutions:

• Check roots - repot if circling container bottom (every 1-2 years)
• Increase light exposure to bright, indirect levels (10,000-15,000 lux)
• Begin regular feeding schedule with African violet fertilizer

Prevention: Annual spring assessment of root health. Position near east or north-facing windows. Maintain consistent fertilization during growing season.

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Elongated stems with widely spaced leaves. Plant reaching toward light source. Weak, floppy growth unable to support itself. Common Causes:

• Insufficient light causing phototropism
• Overcrowding with other plants
• Excessive nitrogen promoting vegetative growth over compact form

Solutions:

• Move closer to light source or supplement with grow lights (12-14 hours daily)
• Provide adequate spacing - at least 6 inches from neighboring plants
• Reduce fertilizer frequency and switch to bloom-booster formula

Prevention: Rotate plant weekly for even growth. Provide consistent bright, indirect light year-round. Use balanced fertilizer at proper dilution rates.

Pest Problems

Thrips

Identification: Tiny (1-2mm) slender insects, yellow to brown in color. Fast-moving when disturbed. Often hide in flower buds and leaf crevices. Damage Signs: Silver streaks on leaves, distorted flowers, pollen scattered on petals. Brown spots where feeding occurred. Treatment:

• Spray with insecticidal soap, ensuring coverage of leaf undersides
• Apply systemic insecticide for severe infestations
• Remove and destroy affected flowers to break breeding cycle Prevention: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks. Use yellow sticky traps for early detection. Maintain good air circulation around plants.

Mealybugs

Identification: White, cotton-like masses in leaf joints and stem crevices. Slow-moving insects beneath waxy coating. May have long tail filaments. Damage Signs: Sticky honeydew on leaves, sooty mold growth, yellowing where insects feed. Stunted growth in severe cases. Treatment:

• Dab individual bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab
• Spray thoroughly with neem oil solution weekly for 3-4 weeks
• For heavy infestations, apply systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid Prevention: Inspect new plants carefully before introducing. Maintain lower humidity levels. Avoid over-fertilizing which attracts pests.

Cyclamen Mites

Identification: Microscopic mites invisible to naked eye. Presence detected only through damage symptoms. Prefer cool, humid conditions. Damage Signs: Distorted, curled new growth. Brittle, discolored leaves. Flower buds fail to open or are deformed. Center growth becomes stunted. Treatment:

• Isolate affected plant immediately to prevent spread
• Submerge entire plant in 110°F water for 15 minutes
• Apply miticide specifically labeled for cyclamen mites every 5 days for 3 weeks Prevention: Maintain temperatures above 70°F. Avoid overhead watering. Space plants adequately for air circulation.

Disease Issues

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Soft, mushy crown tissue turning brown or black. Foul odor may be present. Leaves easily pull away from base. Plant collapses rapidly. Causes: Erwinia bacteria or Phytophthora fungus thriving in wet conditions. Water collecting in crown. Poor air circulation. Treatment:

• Remove plant from pot and cut away all affected tissue with sterile knife
• Dust cuts with fungicide containing copper or sulfur
• Repot in fresh, sterile soil and new container Prevention: Water from bottom or carefully around edges. Ensure crown stays dry. Provide good ventilation. Avoid splashing water on leaves.

Botrytis Blight

Symptoms: Gray, fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves. Brown water-soaked spots spreading rapidly. Affected tissue becomes papery when dry. Causes: Botrytis cinerea fungus favoring cool, humid conditions with poor air movement. Dead flowers providing infection sites. Treatment:

• Remove all affected plant parts immediately and dispose in trash
• Improve air circulation with fans
• Apply fungicide containing chlorothalonil or copper Prevention: Remove spent flowers promptly. Maintain humidity below 60%. Space plants adequately. Water early in day so foliage dries before night.

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil. Foul smell from pot. Plant easily lifts from soil. Overall wilting and decline. Identification: Roots appear brown, black, or mushy instead of white and firm. Outer root layer slips off easily when touched. Treatment:

• Remove from pot and wash roots gently to assess damage
• Trim all affected roots with sterile scissors, cutting into healthy white tissue
• Repot in fresh, sterile potting mix with excellent drainage Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. Add perlite to improve drainage. Avoid oversized pots.

Root Bound

Symptoms: Roots visible through drainage holes. Water runs straight through pot. Growth slowed despite proper care. Frequent wilting between waterings. Identification: Dense mat of circling roots when removed from pot. Little soil visible among root mass. Roots may be growing upward at soil surface. Treatment:

• Gently tease apart circling roots or make vertical cuts if severely bound
• Repot in container only 1-2 inches larger in diameter
• Water thoroughly after repotting and keep in shade for one week Prevention: Check annually in spring for repotting needs. Choose appropriate pot sizes. Don't skip to oversized containers.

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, wilting, or color changes. Flower buds blast without opening. Growth stops abruptly. Causes: Exposure to temperatures below 55°F or above 85°F. Rapid temperature fluctuations. Cold drafts from windows or AC. Treatment: Move to stable environment with temperatures between 65-75°F. Remove damaged foliage. Avoid fertilizing until new growth appears. Prevention: Keep away from heating/cooling vents. Use thermometer to monitor temperatures. Gradually acclimate to new locations.

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Brown leaf tips, edges curling inward, flower buds drying before opening. Increased susceptibility to spider mites. High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal growth on leaves, soft rot at crown, reduced flowering. Botrytis blight development. Solutions: For low humidity: use pebble trays, room humidifier, or group plants. For high: increase air circulation, space plants, reduce misting. Prevention: Maintain 50-60% relative humidity using hygrometer. Provide adequate ventilation. Adjust humidity seasonally as needed.

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Bleached, pale leaves with brown patches. Leaves cupping downward. Stunted growth despite adequate water. Too Little Light: Elongated stems, pale green color, few or no flowers. Leaves reaching toward light source. Solutions: Adjust position relative to windows. Use sheer curtains for filtering. Supplement with LED grow lights if needed (12-14 hours). Prevention: Provide bright, indirect light (10,000-15,000 lux). East or north windows ideal. Monitor for seasonal light changes.

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Crown rot spreading despite treatment - may need disposal to protect other plants
• Repeated pest infestations after multiple treatments - consider systemic options
• No improvement after 3-4 weeks of adjusted care - reassess growing conditions

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Check soil moisture before watering - top inch should be dry
• [ ] Inspect for pests during weekly watering routine
• [ ] Maintain stable temperatures between 65-75°F
• [ ] Provide bright, indirect light away from direct sun
• [ ] Feed monthly during growing season (March-September)
• [ ] Ensure proper drainage in pots and potting mix

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged foliage, adjust care based on diagnosis. Expect no visible improvement yet. Week 2-3: New growth should begin emerging if conditions corrected. Continue monitoring closely. Month 1+: Healthy new leaves fully developed. Resume normal care routine. Plant should show vigor.

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