African Violets are one of the most popular houseplants, known for their delicate, velvety leaves and vibrant, colorful flowers. However, even with proper care, these plants can sometimes become stressed, leading to wilted leaves, faded flowers, and a general decline in health. If your African Violet is looking a bit worse for wear, don't worry – with the right techniques and a little TLC, you can revive your beloved plant and restore it to its former glory.
Table of Contents
Identifying the Problem
Before you can start reviving your African Violet, it's essential to identify the underlying cause of its decline. Take a closer look at your plant and check for any of the following common issues:
- Overwatering: Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels waterlogged, it may be causing root rot.
- Underwatering: Conversely, if the soil feels dry and crumbly, your African Violet may be thirsty.
- Nutrient deficiency: African Violets need regular fertilization to stay healthy. If you haven't fertilized your plant in a while, it may be lacking essential nutrients.
- Pests: Inspect your plant for signs of pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids.
- Temperature fluctuations: African Violets prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If your plant is exposed to drafts, air conditioning, or extreme temperatures, it may be stressed.
- Lack of humidity: African Violets thrive in humid environments, typically above 50% relative humidity.
Pruning and Grooming
Pruning and grooming are essential steps in reviving your African Violet. Remove any dead or dying leaves or flowers to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Remove any dead or dying leaves: Cut the leaf off at the base, making sure not to damage the stem.
- Trim back leggy stems: Cut back long, leggy stems to encourage bushy growth and promote more blooms.
- Remove spent flowers: Take off any wilted or faded flowers to encourage your African Violet to produce new blooms.
Watering and Humidity
African Violets need consistent moisture, but be careful not to overwater. Check the soil daily, and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water your plant in the morning, so the pot has a chance to dry out slightly before nightfall.
- Watering tips:
- Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
- Use lukewarm water, as cold water can cause shock.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves or crown, as this can cause rot.
- Increase humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier.
Fertilization
Fertilize your African Violet regularly to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) and follow the instructions on the label.
- Fertilization tips:
- Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning your plant's roots.
- Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter), as this can cause weak growth.
Repotting
If your African Violet is pot-bound (the roots have filled the pot), it's time to repot. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one, as African Violets prefer to be slightly root-bound.
- Repotting tips:
- Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for African Violets.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
- Trim away any circling or dead roots with clean, sharp scissors.
- Plant the African Violet at the same depth as before, and water well.
Providing Optimal Conditions
African Violets have specific needs when it comes to temperature, light, and air circulation. Make sure to provide your plant with the following conditions:
- Temperature: Keep your African Violet in a spot with a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight, which can cause scorching.
- Air circulation: Ensure good air circulation around your plant to prevent fungal diseases.
Pest Control
Check your African Violet regularly for signs of pests, and take action immediately if you notice any issues.
- Common pests:
- Mealybugs: Look for white, cottony patches on the leaves or stems.
- Spider mites: Check for fine webbing on the leaves or stems.
- Aphids: Inspect for small, soft-bodied insects on the leaves or stems.
- Treatment:
- Isolate the infected plant to prevent the pest from spreading.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.
- Repeat the treatment as necessary until the pest is eliminated.
Monitoring Progress
Keep a close eye on your African Violet's progress, and make adjustments as needed. With proper care and attention, your plant should start to show signs of recovery within a few weeks.
- Monitor for:
- New growth: Look for fresh, green leaves or stems.
- Flowering: African Violets typically bloom within 6-12 months after reviving.
- Improved color: Healthy African Violets should have vibrant, rich colors.
By following these steps and providing your African Violet with the right care and attention, you should be able to revive your plant and enjoy its beautiful blooms for months to come. Remember to stay patient, as reviving an African Violet takes time and effort. With persistence and the right techniques, you can bring your beloved plant back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common reasons why my African Violet is dying?
African Violets can die due to various reasons such as overwatering, underwatering, lack of humidity, insufficient light, extreme temperatures, root bound, pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiency. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to revive your African Violet.
How often should I water my African Violet?
Water your African Violet when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. Watering once a week is a good starting point, but adjust according to your climate and potting mix.
What is the ideal temperature for African Violets?
African Violets thrive in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid placing them near heating vents, fireplaces, or drafty windows, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress.
How much humidity do African Violets need?
African Violets require high humidity, typically above 50%. You can increase humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together.
What type of light is best for African Violets?
African Violets prefer bright, indirect light. East- or west-facing windows are ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch. If using grow lights, maintain a distance of 6-8 inches and adjust the duration according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I propagate African Violets from leaf cuttings?
Yes, African Violets can be propagated from leaf cuttings. Remove a healthy leaf from the mother plant, allowing it to dry for a few days to form a callus. Plant the leaf in a potting mix, and keep it moist and warm until roots develop.
Why are the leaves on my African Violet turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or a lack of nutrients. Check your watering schedule, adjust the light, and fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer to address the issue.
How do I fertilize my African Violet?
Feed your African Violet with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) once a month. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for African Violets.
What are the signs of root bound in African Violets?
Signs of root bound include slow growth, yellowing leaves, and water pooling on the surface of the soil. Check the roots by gently removing the plant from its pot. If the roots are circling or growing out of the drainage holes, it's time to repot your African Violet.
How do I repot my African Violet?
Choose a pot that is only 1-2 sizes larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for African Violets. Gently remove the plant from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Trim away any dead or damaged roots before repotting.
Can I grow African Violets outdoors?
African Violets can be grown outdoors in shaded areas with high humidity. However, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures, wind, and direct sunlight, so it's essential to provide protection and monitor the weather.
How do I prune my African Violet?
Prune your African Violet to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and promote blooming. Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems, and trim back leggy growth to encourage branching.
Why is my African Violet not blooming?
African Violets may not bloom due to insufficient light, inadequate fertilization, or root bound. Ensure your plant is receiving enough light, fertilize regularly, and repot if necessary. Also, check for pests or diseases that may be affecting blooming.
How do I treat pests on my African Violet?
Common pests on African Violets include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Isolate the infested plant, and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions. Repeat the treatment as necessary to ensure the pests are eliminated.
What are the common diseases affecting African Violets?
Common diseases affecting African Violets include root rot, leaf spot, and crown rot. These diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or contaminated potting mix. Treat fungal diseases with a fungicide, and bacterial diseases with a bactericide.
Can I revive a dying African Violet?
Yes, you can revive a dying African Violet by identifying the underlying cause and taking corrective action. Adjust the watering schedule, provide optimal light and temperature, and fertilize the plant. Prune away dead or damaged tissue to prevent the spread of disease.
How long does it take to revive an African Violet?
The time it takes to revive an African Violet depends on the severity of the damage and the corrective actions taken. With proper care, an African Violet can recover within a few weeks to a few months. Be patient, and monitor your plant's progress.
Can I grow African Violets in a terrarium?
Yes, African Violets can thrive in a terrarium. However, ensure the terrarium has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Choose a clear glass or plastic container, and add a layer of small rocks or charcoal to improve drainage.
How do I care for African Violets during the winter months?
During the winter months, African Violets require less water and fertilizer. Reduce watering to once every 10-14 days, and skip fertilization until spring. Keep the plant in a bright, cool location (around 60°F to 65°F) to promote blooming.
Can I grow African Violets from seed?
Yes, African Violets can be grown from seed. Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed starting mix, and keep the soil moist and warm (around 75°F to 85°F). Transplant the seedlings to individual pots once they have 2-3 sets of leaves.
How do I propagate African Violets through division?
Propagate African Violets through division by gently removing the plant from its pot. Separate the individual crowns, making sure each section has at least one leaf and some roots. Replant the divisions in a potting mix, and keep them moist and warm until established.
What are the benefits of growing African Violets?
African Violets are low-maintenance, adaptable, and produce beautiful blooms. They also purify the air, making them a great addition to indoor spaces. With proper care, African Violets can thrive for years, providing a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Are African Violets toxic to pets?
African Violets are non-toxic to pets, but it's still possible for them to cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep your African Violets out of reach of pets to avoid any potential harm.
Can I use African Violets as a gift?
African Violets make a thoughtful and unique gift for plant enthusiasts. Choose a healthy plant with vibrant blooms, and pair it with a decorative pot and care instructions for a lovely present.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.