What Causes Wilting Leaves in Violets?

Crown Rot

• African violets are prone to attack by fungal species such as Pythium and Phytophthora. These cause the central growing bud of the plant to rot away and cause the older, outer leaves to wilt and rot. Avoid crown rot by making sure that the soil is fully able to drain and by only watering when the surface of the compost is dry. Water African violets with room temperature water.

Petiole Rot

• African violet petioles or leaf stems rot through when exposed to the rims of clay pots. This is caused by accumulated fertilizer salts in the clay. Leaves with rotting petioles tend to wilt before falling off or rotting. Treat petiole rot by lining African violet pots with aluminum foil or by growing them in plastic containers.

Cyclamen Mites

• Cyclmen mites feed on the new growth at the center of African violet plants. They cause stunted or curling leaves and, by feeding on leaf petioles, cause older leaves to wilt. Treat infested plants with a miticide spray and isolate them from other plants. Discard them if they do not respond to treatment and sterilize all pots and tools by immersing them for at least 30 minutes in a solution of 10 percent household bleach.

Insect Attack

• Mealy bugs, thrips and other insect pests feed on African violets and cause their leaves to wilt and die. Treat mealy bugs and thrips with a spray based on insecticidal soap and pick off any chewing insects, slugs and snails that feed on your plants.

Watering Frequency

• Water your African violet when the surface of its soil is dry to the touch. Aim to completely soak the soil but make sure all excess water drains away. Never leave African violets standing in a dish of water. Waterlogged soil caused root rot and wilting leaves. If you allow the soil to dry out completely, your African violet will wilt and may not recover even if watered.