But in the past six months they have gone from looking like this.
Do you have any advice on what I could do to get them healthy and flourishing once again?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
My Violets Need You
I have always admired African Violets and was happy to get several five years ago. I did a little research on proper care for them and they did really well for four years which is amazing considering that houseplants aren't really high on my list of priorities.
But in the past six months they have gone from looking like this.
To this. And I don't know what to do for them. It actually hurts everytime I look at them and see their yellowish rust spotted leaves.
Do you have any advice on what I could do to get them healthy and flourishing once again?
But in the past six months they have gone from looking like this.
Do you have any advice on what I could do to get them healthy and flourishing once again?
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African violets do best in a northern or indirect light. The second picture looks like the plant is getting too much sun.
ReplyDeletei don't have any idea but that table or plant stand in the first photo is amazingly beautiful! good luck on your plants.
ReplyDeleteAs Carolyn said, be sure they're not in direct sun. Also, how long has it been since you've repotted them? The ph of potting soil will change with age, so some fresh might help. What plant food are you using? Try African violet plant food at half strength every time you water.
ReplyDeleteTry the Optimara Violet site:
http://www.optimara.com/doctoroptimara/diagnosis.html
I have NEVER done well with plants, so I certainly have absolutely nothing to say on that...but I'm sure someone will give you the advice you need!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!!
My dh had five or six African violets when we first met...and they looked awesome....we got married and within six months they all were dead....I didn't realize that you cannot water violets from the top but just in the dish on the bottom.
ReplyDeleteThankful our marriage has stayed strong for almost 27 years...LOL. Dh still teases me about that...cause me and plants don't get along{smile}.
Have a blessed day.
I would recommend breaking off all the outside yellowy leaves, transplanting into new soil, water only from the bottom like putting it into a bowl or dish of water for an hour or two and then letting it sit in it's own saucer. Never water from the top and always keep out of direct sunlight.
ReplyDeleteEllie fr. Toronto, Canada.
I would echo all that advice, especially the watering from the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this works, but, as well as removing leaves, repotting, and watering from bottom only, I've read that you should place eggshells in water, and use that to water the violets.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone else heard that?
Water from below and no direct sunlight - just what everyone else has been saying! I imagine you've been doing that anyway. Possibly they need repotting? If they have been in the same pots for a number of years they will have taken all the nutrients out of their soil by now. It could be a nutrient deficiency that makes them look like that. I think the comment about giving up on the yellow leaves and only repotting the healthy new ones on their root is wise.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above mentioned comments, look for special African violet food, the pot looks rather small for such a big plant. I would see if the leaves will green up prior to taking them off, unless the leaves are thin and weak.
ReplyDeleteHave a joyful day
Just sayin' hello...since my green thumb doesn't work in the howse. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
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ReplyDeleteI love African Violets, but I don't have any advice...I killed all of mine. :( They were all on top of a hope chest in front of a window. Now I need to try again!
ReplyDeleteI like the liquid Miracle Grow for African violets. It comes in a tall purple bottle and I just bought some at Walmart in the section with the soil and planting food. Hope that helps. Let us know how they come along. I just put the liquid drops in the water and water the plant from the bottom. All done. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have never tried violets.. I do not know why. I am sure you will figure it out! The first picture is beautiful. ;) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBlessings in Him,
Mikailah
Oh my goodness. Compared to what they'd look like IF I HAD THEM, they are doing quite well. That means I can't help where green thumbs are needed :)
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I would add is that when you water them, water them with warm water..not hot, but a comfortable warm. My grandma had gorgeous african violets, and they were always gorgeous. Hope this helps...
ReplyDeleteAndrea in Lakewood WA
I have had mine for 16 years! My husband gave me an African voilet when we first got married. I have actually divided it and repotted them. sometimes just refreshing their home and adding fresh soil does the trick.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
Mine did well as long as I sweet talked to them every morning before I went to work. In other words as long as I deeply cared for them.
ReplyDeleteWhen my family moved states from the East to the mid-west in 1976, my mother gave her African violets to a good friend. The friend named them after us 5 children and when I visited her some time later, it was so endearing to hear her say "Elizabeth is doing well in kitchen" and "Sarah likes her spot in the master bathroom" while "Helen is thriving in the den" and "Let me show you Rebecca and Michael"......talk about sweet talking to plants! I'm sure it helped her still feel connected to our family who were 1100 miles away.
ReplyDelete