My African Violet Buds Turn Brown & Will Not Open

Flower Problems

• Possibly one of the most frustrating problems of African violets is failure to flower. Sometimes flowers simply do not form, while at other times flowers may begin to develop, but the buds eventually dry up and drop. This problem is a symptom of inadequate environmental conditions. Generally, failure to flower is caused by low light conditions, but it can also be caused by temperatures that are too high or low, soil that is too wet, or even the presence of gas fumes.

Soil Medium

• A healthy plant begins with a proper soil medium. Often African violets are transplanted into inappropriate mediums, which cause long-term problems. Mix one part soil, one part peat and one part perlite to create a suitable medium for your plant. Do not water the plant excessively; allow it to dry some between waterings. An African violet in standing water is likely to develop crown or root rot.

Proper Fertilization

• It is easy to over-fertilize an African violet. Too much fertilizer leads to accumulations of fertilizer salts, which can cause petiole rot. Fertilize only when the plant seems to need it, instead of on a schedule. When older leaves begin to turn yellow or the rate of growth slows, fertilizer is needed. Be sure to flush the soil monthly with plenty of water to eliminate excess fertilizer salts, and allow the plant to drain completely.

Light and Temperature

• Proper light and temperature are vital to flower production. African violets will not bloom outside of a range of 60 to 85 degrees. They will do best if nighttime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees and daytime temperatures do not exceed 80 degrees. Provide lighting for eight to 12 hours each day, but avoid placing the African violet in direct sunlight. Southeast- or west-facing windows yield the best lighting, but better lighting control can be gained by supplementing with fluorescent lighting. Darker-leafed African violets will require more light than the lighter-leafed plants, and it may take a little experimenting to find what works best for your variety of African violet.