Question:
My African violet plants have some white spots on their leaves. What exactly are they, and how can the issue be managed?
Answer:
Your African violets’ white stuff on the leaves is most likely powdery mildew. A fungus called powdery mildew frequently affects indoor plants including poinsettias, begonias, and African violets. Powdery mildew outbreaks on indoor plants often happen in the winter or early spring.
To prevent the fungus from spreading, pinch off and destroy any leaves that only contain a small amount of powdery mildew. Poor air circulation and high relative humidity encourage the growth of powdery mildew on indoor plants. The greatest method for preventing powdery mildew on houseplants is to modify the interior environment. By extending the distance between plants and turning on a modest fan, it is possible to increase air circulation and reduce humidity levels in the space.
How can white spots on African violets be removed?
Our African violets start to develop powdery mildew at this time of year. Because the spores are always in the air, this fungal disease is practically inescapable. However, you can lessen the impact the issue has on your plants. You will be able to identify powdery mildew when the leaves and flowers are covered in a white powdery substance, as in the pictures. On dark flowers, it consistently stands out more. Powdery mildew also affects many different plants, both indoor and outdoor.
When the nights are cool and the days are warm, it appears on the African violets’ leaves and blossoms. Additionally, when the humidity is low, you are more likely to observe it. The correct circumstances also seem to be created by stagnant air, therefore you might be able to increase ventilation by using a fan. There are particular plants that undoubtedly seem to be more vulnerable to powdery mildew and should be closely monitored. Whatever else you decide to do, it is important to cure it as soon as it shows up since, if you don’t, leaves could become scarred and blossoms could be ruined. If you can increase the humidity, do so, even if it just means keeping plants that are sensitive to powdery mildew in a translucent container that resembles a terrarium.
You’ll need some alternatives for addressing the issue whenever it manifests itself. Despite the fact that it is frequently simpler to use a prepared solution, you might avoid using chemical pesticides because powdery mildew only becomes a problem when the right conditions are present.
Why not employ one of these simple techniques:
Simply use a damp brush to scrub away the mildew, allowing the brush to dry after cleaning it in methylated spirits.
Cleanse the leaves with running, lukewarm water (only in the early part of the day). Remove any excess water by blotting it away from the plant’s center.
Simply heat some water in a mist sprayer, then sprinkle the plants until the water starts to flow off. Don’t leave water pools on the leaves, especially in their centers, once again.
Here are several straightforward organic sprays that are safe to use if you must spray:
One teaspoon of laundry bleach in one liter of water should be sprayed (kills the fungus spores). Many people use this control when growing African violets.
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda in 1 liter of warm water should be sprayed. By altering the pH of the leaf surface, the fungus is eliminated. Others advise adding half a teaspoon of insecticidal soap. Some advise using a few drops of liquid soap. This formula has been tried and tested both plain and with soap.
Spray with a milk and water mixture. The suggested strength ranges from a 10% solution to a 40% solution. Although I haven’t personally utilized it, I believe you’d need to do some testing. It was always believed that full-cream milk was necessary, but current thinking holds that proteins do the task instead. Natural enzymes create an environment where mildew cannot develop. Whether you use full-cream or skimmed milk is entirely up to you. I haven’t tried it since I’m afraid of the smell of sour milk, but others have and they say the smell isn’t an issue.
It is possible to combine the milk solution and bicarbonate soda to create a spray, though I’m not sure why you would since either is useful on its own.
Spray 1 liter of water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar. rumored to destroy the fungus and alter the pH of the leaves.
Sulphur preparations, including powdered sulphur, have long been advised, however African violets should not be exposed to residue on the leaves. Brushing the leaves with sulphur powder will at least temporarily solve the issue. It is a laborious task at best to keep brushing until all of the sulfur has been removed. Powdery mildew was once thought to be easier to manage if plates of powdered sulphur were scattered around around the plants. I’m not sure how much assistance it provides, but I still do it myself because it’s simple to perform and doesn’t hurt. It’s interesting to me how frequently tiny gnats and other unidentified flying creatures commit suicide in the sulphur.
Cinnamon is claimed to be effective against fungus. I believe it would need to be sprayed on the leaves, but the thought of having to remove it from the hairy leaves afterwards makes me shudder. worse than with sulfur.
There have been several more organic type restrictions proposed. Undoubtedly, a simple Google search would turn up a ton of them. However, it is important to keep in mind that powdery mildew appears to be caused by several fungal species in various plant types. With African violets, what works for one variety of plant might not (or might!) work. You could even develop your own organic powdery mildew remedy for plants. If so, give it a shot on a few violets. Some of those cited include: Tea produced from compost that has been soaked in water and then drained. It is thought to contain healthy organisms. Two whole bulbs of garlic should be grated, then the mixture should be strained and some liquid soap added. Per litre of water, use two to three teaspoons. I would once more be concerned about smell. Keep in mind that none of these sprays can guarantee a permanent solution to the issue. Include the stems and the area under the leaves while spraying the plant. Additionally, you should always test a new spray on a few test plants before using it on your entire collection. Spraying might be necessary every week.
Still intend to utilize a legitimate store-bought spray? Try neem oil diluted as directed. Do you only favor a true fungicide? I consider Yates Fungus Gun to be one of the greatest products now available for ease of use and successful results with African violets.
Keep in mind that African violet powdery mildew is a temporary but persistent issue. All will be well when the circumstances alter till the next time.
Why are the leaves on my African violet spotted?
Wet leaves might develop brown stains if they are exposed to sunshine. However, if they’re appearing close to the middle of the leaf and your plant otherwise seems healthy, sunshine might not be to blame. Instead, your water supply may be compromised by an undetectable intrusion.
The Culprit: Chloramines in Your Water Supply
Chloramines are extensively used disinfectants to treat drinking water. They are safe for people to consume in tiny quantities. However, if you’re watering your plant with tap water, that could be the cause of this issue with the African violet leaves. If you think your water includes chloramines, you can try boiling it briefly to lower the level (be sure to let it cool before exposing your plants), or you could use store-bought water when taking a bath.
What is powdery mildew?
- A fungus known as powdery mildew grows on the surface of plants.
- This can appear on the leaves, stems, buds, or blooms of African violet plants.
- Powdery mildew can spread and, in rare situations, completely cover a leaf, including the front and back, as well as entire blooms.
Why do you have to remove powdery mildew from African Violet plants?
- Powdery mildew must be removed as soon as possible in order to preserve a healthy plant.
- The African Violet plants’ growth is slowed down by powdery mildew.
- Additionally, it can make the leaves dry out, turn brown, and yellow.
- In extreme situations, uncontrolled powdery mildew can cause plant growth dormancy and make the plant seem incredibly ugly!
Where can powdery mildew on African Violet plants be found?
- On the exterior surface of leaves, stems, buds, and blossoms, powdery mildew can be seen.
- Young new leaf and flower growth may be especially vulnerable.
What does powdery mildew on African Violet plants look like?
- Patches of white or powdery growth are how powdery mildew appears.
- They can have the appearance of white spots, a white substance laying on top of leaves or blossoms, or they can look like powdered sugar dusted on them.
Why do African Violet plants develop powdery mildew?
- High humidity can cause powdery mildew to grow on African violets (hot and humid conditions).
- Due to insufficient airflow, too many plants packed together in a tray might result in powdery mildew.
- Additionally, this may cause nearby plants to become affected.
- Powdery mildew can also develop as a result of condensation on leaves brought on by temperature differences between day and night (cold and wet conditions).
How to remove powdery mildew from African Violet plants?
- Remove all infected blossoms, buds, and leaves first.
- Take out all of the healthy buds and bloom stems that are still there. Next, give the plants lots of water.
- Use a Q-tip dipped in a solution of 50 percent diluted rubbing alcohol and water to gently wipe the mildew away from plants that have a light layer of mildew or the first signs of mildew.
What does it imply when the leaves of an African violet turn white?
African violet plants that have white powder on their leaves have a severe fungal illness on them. Although powdery mildew on African violets seldom causes death, it can have a negative effect on the health and aesthetics of the leaves and stems, slow plant growth, and significantly diminish blooming. Leaves may dry out and turn yellow or brown if not treated. Are you unsure of what to do with powdery mildew on African violets? Looking for advice on how to combat fungus in African violets? Read on.
What makes violets spotted?
African violets will get sunburned if they are in the sun too long, just like you will. Your plant may get dry, brown marks on the tops of its leaves as a result of this. As soon as you see these symptoms, you should shift it to a more suitable area because, in the most extreme circumstances, excessive sunlight can be fatal.
How to revive an African violet that has been overexposed to sunlight
Shade comes first! Put your plant away from any windows in a room with good lighting. Mantles, dining room tables, or any other place your plant is shielded from direct sunlight are preferable to sunny window sills. The unfortunate truth is that sun-damaged leaves will not heal and must be removed. But your plant ought to recover quickly!
How frequently do African violets need to be watered?
Consider fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is the solution if you lack bright window light. I make use of four-foot lights that each have two cool white bulbs. I’ve successfully used one warm white and one cool white bulb in a fixture. unique plant bulbs, known as “A beautiful plant is also produced under grow lights. 8 to 12 inches is the ideal distance between the pot and the light.
How frequently should African violets be watered? “The most frequently asked question regarding African violets is how frequently they should be watered. The greatest indicator is to touch the surface of the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. For best results, African violets should be given time to completely dry out in between waterings. An overwatered plant can die. A soggy, moist soil mass prevents air from penetrating the fine roots of an African violet, which they need. Half of your work is finished once you have learned the art of watering African violets.
Do African violets need to be watered from the top or bottom? Both are acceptable. It’s crucial to avoid using cold water; lukewarm or warm water is recommended. To prevent leaf spots, if you water from the top, take cautious not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun. If you water from the bottom, you should dump any extra water once the plant has absorbed all that it requires. An African violet shouldn’t be left submerged in water for too long.
What appearance do African violet aphids have?
African violets have traveled far from their original habitat in the east African coastal woodlands. Since they have become one of the most well-liked indoor plants in our nation, you can find their colorful blossoms in blues, pinks, and lavenders on window sills all over the place.
However, despite the flower’s popularity, pests still attack African violets. Although one pest—root-knot nematodes—can harm the plant, the majority of pests are bothersome insects like aphids that are very simple to manage.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that consume plant fluids, which can distort new growth. These pests might be brown, black, dark green, or pale green in color. If you have aphids on an African violet, you might not even notice the bugs until you discover honeydew, the sweet liquid that the aphids emit. Aphids on African violets may result in ants on African violets as well since ants enjoy honeydew.
Are African violets sun-sensitive?
The vibrant African violet blossoms are particularly lovely. They’ll provide color right away to any space.
Even during the gloomier winter months, they have a reputation for continuing to bloom. Place them around the house so you may enjoy their vibrant hues and plush textures all year long.
Once you establish a routine for caring for African violets, you’ll discover that they expand with ease. But unless all of their fundamental requirements are satisfied, they won’t develop. Give them the proper temperature, light, and nourishment, and you’ll start to bloom right away!
How to Choose and Take Care of African Violets:
1. Start out strong. Select a plant with the desired blossom color and vivid emerald foliage. Make sure the pot has openings for drainage.
2. The ideal lighting. African violets frequently don’t blossom because they don’t receive enough light. Because direct sunlight can burn the leaves, African violets require indirect light. For optimal results, pick a window that faces north or east. Keep plants away from cold glass, and turn the container once every week to ensure that all the leaves get enough light. African violets can be grown under a grow lamp to extend the day throughout the winter.
3. Remain cozy. The most comfortable temperatures for most people are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
4. Subsurface water. Water should be at normal temperature to fill the saucer. Pour off any extra water after letting it settle for about an hour. Between waterings, let the plant dry out completely.
5. Use the new liquid Violet from Espoma to fertilize! Every two to four weeks in the spring, summer, and fall, indoor houseplant food.
6. Be thoughtful before replanting. Only when a plant is root-bound will an African violet bloom. Use organic potting soil designed exclusively for African violets, such as Espoma’s African Violet Mix, when it comes time to repot your plants. Choose a pot that is about a third the diameter of their leaf spread in diameter because they flower best in compact pots.