Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turning yellow, starting from edges or lower leaves, progressing throughout the plant Common Causes:

• Overwatering leading to root suffocation
• Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen
• Natural aging of older leaves
• Poor water quality (high in minerals)

Solutions:

• Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; water only when top inch is dry
• Apply diluted African violet fertilizer (1/4 strength) bi-weekly
• Remove yellowed leaves at base to redirect energy
• Switch to filtered or rainwater if tap water is hard

Prevention: Establish consistent watering schedule based on seasonal needs; use well-draining African violet potting mix; maintain regular feeding during growing season

Brown/Crispy Leaf Tips

Symptoms: Leaf tips and edges turning brown and papery, sometimes with yellow halo Common Causes:

• Low humidity (below 40%)
• Fluoride/chlorine sensitivity from tap water
• Salt buildup from fertilizers
• Direct sunlight exposure

Solutions:

• Increase humidity with pebble trays or grouping plants
• Let tap water sit 24 hours before use or switch to distilled water
• Flush soil monthly with clean water to remove salts
• Move away from direct sun to bright, indirect light

Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity; use room temperature, dechlorinated water; fertilize at half strength; position in east or north-facing windows

Wilting/Drooping Leaves

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

• Root rot from overwatering
• Pot-bound roots unable to absorb water
• Temperature stress (too hot or cold)
• Pest damage to roots

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot; trim affected areas and repot
• Repot if roots circle the pot heavily
• Move to location with stable 65-75°F temperatures
• Inspect for root mealybugs and treat if found

Prevention: Use pots with drainage holes; repot annually; avoid temperature extremes; quarantine new plants

Curling Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves curl inward or downward, may feel thicker than normal Common Causes:

• Light stress (too much direct sun)
• Low humidity combined with heat
• Thrips or aphid infestation
• Calcium deficiency

Solutions:

• Provide bright, filtered light only
• Mist around plant (not on leaves) to increase humidity
• Inspect for pests; treat with insecticidal soap if present
• Add calcium supplement to fertilizer routine

Prevention: Monitor light levels seasonally; maintain consistent humidity; regular pest inspections; use complete fertilizer

Flower Problems

No Blooms/Poor Flowering

Symptoms: Healthy foliage but few or no flowers; buds form but don't open Common Causes:

• Insufficient light (most common issue)
• Wrong fertilizer (too much nitrogen)
• Plant too young or stressed
• Incorrect photoperiod

Solutions:

• Move to brighter location or add grow lights (12-14 hours daily)
• Switch to high-phosphorus bloom booster fertilizer
• Ensure consistent care for 2-3 months
• Provide 8-10 hours of darkness nightly

Prevention: Position in bright, indirect light year-round; use African violet fertilizer; maintain stable environment; avoid moving during bud formation

Flower Buds Dropping

Symptoms: Buds form but fall off before opening; stems yellow at attachment point Common Causes:

• Temperature fluctuations
• Dry air or soil
• Ethylene gas exposure (from ripening fruit)
• Nutrient imbalance

Solutions:

• Maintain steady 65-72°F temperatures
• Check soil moisture more frequently during budding
• Keep away from fruit bowls and gas appliances
• Apply balanced fertilizer regularly

Prevention: Avoid drafts and heating vents; consistent watering schedule; proper plant placement; regular feeding program

Faded/Discolored Flowers

Symptoms: Purple flowers appear washed out, white markings less distinct Common Causes:

• Too much direct sunlight
• High temperatures (above 80°F)
• Natural aging of blooms
• pH imbalance in soil

Solutions:

• Provide filtered or indirect light only
• Move to cooler location if possible
• Remove spent blooms promptly
• Test and adjust soil pH to 5.8-6.2

Prevention: Optimal light conditions; temperature control; deadheading routine; annual soil replacement

Root & Stem Issues

Root Rot

Symptoms: Mushy, brown roots; foul smell from soil; plant wilts despite moist soil Common Causes:

• Chronic overwatering
• Poor drainage in pot or soil
• Using cold water
• Contaminated potting mix

Solutions:

• Remove from pot and trim all affected roots
• Repot in fresh, sterile African violet mix
• Treat remaining roots with fungicide
• Reduce watering frequency significantly

Prevention: Water only when needed; ensure drainage holes work; use room temperature water; sterilize reused pots

Crown Rot

Symptoms: Center of plant turns mushy and brown; new growth dies; plant collapses Common Causes:

• Water sitting in crown
• Poor air circulation
• High humidity with cool temperatures
• Overhead watering

Solutions:

• Remove all affected tissue with sterile blade
• Dust cuts with cinnamon or sulfur
• Repot in dry, fresh soil
• Water from bottom only during recovery

Prevention: Always water from bottom or sides; ensure good air flow; avoid misting leaves directly; maintain proper temperature/humidity balance

Stem Rot

Symptoms: Soft, brown areas on stems; leaves attached to affected stems wilt Common Causes:

• Injury from handling
• Fungal infection from wet conditions
• Poor air circulation
• Contaminated tools

Solutions:

• Cut below affected area with sterile tool
• Allow cut to callous before replanting
• Improve air circulation around plant
• Apply fungicide to remaining plant

Prevention: Handle gently during maintenance; sterilize tools between plants; space plants adequately; avoid overcrowding

Pest Problems

Mealybugs

Symptoms: White, cottony masses in leaf joints and under leaves; sticky honeydew; stunted growth Solutions:

• Dab individual bugs with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
• Spray with insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks
• For severe infestations, use systemic insecticide
• Isolate affected plants immediately

Prevention: Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks; inspect regularly; maintain good air circulation; avoid over-fertilizing

Thrips

Symptoms: Silver streaks on leaves; distorted growth; flower damage; tiny flying insects Solutions:

• Remove heavily damaged leaves and flowers
• Apply spinosad or neem oil spray
• Use blue sticky traps to monitor
• Treat all nearby plants preventatively

Prevention: Screen windows if plants are near them; inspect new plants carefully; maintain humidity above 40%; regular monitoring

Cyclamen Mites

Symptoms: Distorted, curled new growth; bronzing of leaves; stunted development; brittle texture Solutions:

• Remove and destroy all affected growth
• Treat with miticide specifically for cyclamen mites
• Increase spacing between plants
• Consider discarding severely infested plants

Prevention: Isolate new Gesneriads for 6 weeks; avoid sharing tools; maintain moderate temperatures; inspect with magnifying glass

Fungus Gnats

Symptoms: Small flies around soil; larvae visible in soil; slow growth; root damage Solutions:

• Allow soil to dry more between waterings
• Apply BTI (mosquito dunks) to water
• Top dress with sand to prevent egg laying
• Use yellow sticky traps for adults

Prevention: Avoid overwatering; use quality potting mix; bottom watering; cover drainage holes with fine mesh

Environmental Stress

Temperature Stress

Symptoms: Leaf discoloration, slow growth, bud drop, wilting despite proper watering Common Causes:

• Temperatures below 60°F or above 80°F
• Cold drafts from windows or AC
• Heat from radiators or vents
• Rapid temperature changes

Solutions:

• Relocate to area with stable 65-75°F temperatures
• Use thermometer to monitor conditions
• Provide insulation from cold windows in winter
• Shield from direct heat sources

Prevention: Choose appropriate location initially; monitor seasonal changes; use curtains for insulation; avoid exterior walls

Light Stress

Symptoms: Bleached leaves, purple discoloration, excessive stretching, poor flowering Common Causes:

• Too much direct sunlight
• Insufficient light in winter
• Sudden light changes
• Wrong spectrum from grow lights

Solutions:

• Adjust position based on symptoms
• Supplement with full-spectrum LED grow lights
• Gradually acclimate to new light conditions
• Use sheer curtains to filter strong sun

Prevention: East or north window placement; 12-14 hours bright indirect light; seasonal adjustments; proper grow light selection

Humidity Problems

Symptoms: Brown leaf edges, poor growth, increased pest susceptibility, flower problems Common Causes:

• Indoor heating in winter
• Air conditioning in summer
• Lack of humidity trays
• Isolated plant placement

Solutions:

• Group plants together
• Use humidity trays filled with pebbles and water
• Run humidifier near plants
• Mist air around plants (not leaves directly)

Prevention: Maintain 50-60% humidity year-round; use hygrometer to monitor; create humidity zones; avoid heating/cooling vents

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nitrogen Deficiency

Symptoms: Pale green to yellow leaves starting with oldest; slow growth; small leaves Solutions:

• Apply balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength weekly
• Use fertilizer with higher first number (N)
• Ensure proper pH for nutrient uptake
• Consider slow-release fertilizer supplement

Prevention: Regular feeding schedule; quality potting mix; annual repotting; pH monitoring

Phosphorus Deficiency

Symptoms: Dark green leaves with purple undersides; poor flowering; weak roots Solutions:

• Switch to bloom booster fertilizer
• Check pH (may be too high)
• Add bone meal to potting mix
• Ensure adequate light for metabolism

Prevention: Balanced nutrition program; proper pH maintenance; adequate light levels; appropriate fertilizer selection

Calcium Deficiency

Symptoms: Distorted new growth; brown spots on leaves; weak stems; blossom end issues Solutions:

• Add calcium supplement to fertilizer
• Use cal-mag supplement monthly
• Check water source for calcium content
• Ensure proper pH for calcium uptake

Prevention: Use complete fertilizers; test water quality; maintain proper pH; consider limestone additions to mix

Quick Reference Troubleshooting Chart

Seasonal Care Adjustments

Spring/Summer

• Increase watering frequency as growth accelerates
• Begin regular fertilizing program
• Watch for pest activity increase
• Provide more air circulation

Fall/Winter

• Reduce watering as growth slows
• Decrease fertilizer to monthly
• Maintain humidity as heating runs
• Supplement with grow lights

When to Start Over

Sometimes it's best to take cuttings and start fresh if:

• Crown rot has destroyed the center
• Multiple problems persist despite treatment
• Plant is severely pot-bound and stressed
• Pest infestation is severe and recurring

Preventive Care Summary

1. Proper Watering: Only when top inch is dry; always from bottom
2. Right Light: Bright, indirect only; no direct sun
3. Stable Environment: 65-75°F, 50-60% humidity
4. Regular Feeding: Dilute fertilizer during growing season
5. Annual Repotting: Fresh soil prevents many problems
6. Pest Monitoring: Weekly inspections catch issues early
7. Air Circulation: Prevents fungal issues
8. Quarantine New Plants: 2-week isolation prevents pest spread

Remember: Most Streptocarpus problems stem from inconsistent care. Establishing and maintaining a regular routine prevents the majority of issues. When problems do arise, act quickly but avoid overreacting with multiple treatments at once.