About Nancy Expertise I can answer questions on the following subjects:
Pests, chemicals
Showing AVs
Sowing Seeds
Problems with plants
Basics of AV growing
Episcias
Streptocarpus
Experience I am an African violet Advanced Judge in US and Canada. I have written a book on pests of African violets called "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family" My articles appear in African Violet Magazine and Chatter as well as in other magazines.
Organizations AVSA
AVSC
African Violet Society of Greater Montreal
Saintpaulia Society of Montreal
Publications Book author: "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family"
African Violet Magazine, many issues
Chatter Magazine Many issues
Horticulture
Other Magazines
Education/Credentials University of Indiana Master's work (Music)
Awards and Honors Jr. Queen of Show (Pixie Blue) AVSC Convention Montreal
Approximately 100 blue ribbons
25 or so Best of Class
Past/Present clients I sell mostly leaves on Ebay. I sell plants at convention shows and local shows.
Question Hi,
I have a wonderful purple/blue violet that blooms its little heart out about this time every year. I noticed it was starting its blooming cycle, gave it some violet fertilizer in the water, and it was doing great, I'm loving it!
Then, it just drooped. All but the top few layers of leaves are sagging. It's still putting out the blooms, but I am worried for it. I think I may have overwatered, but then took all the water away for about 4 days, it seemed to be dry..and still droops..so I do some water..still droops..HELP! I really don't want to loose this beautiful plant..very healthy otherwise, likes its pot and location..one of those pots in a pot set up..
Thanks for all your help, Cathy
Answer Cathy,
Sorry for the delay in answering. It seems my answer did not go through to the end and was not published.
When growers have problems with droopy leaves it is often one of two things. If the plant is wet but seems to droop anyway, it may be that your have Soil mealy bug. This can be controlled by only by buying something called Marathon, which is very expensive. So if the plant has Soil mealy bug, it is less expensive to throw the plant away and start with a new one.
However, it could be a problem with soil. Violets need to be repotted about twice a year. Often the violet soil we buy is too heavy with peat moss which tends to keep water on the roots so that leaves get more or less blown up with water.
Change your soil, use perlite and vermiculite with your peat moss. This allows free flow of water so the plant does not absorb too much water. To get rid of excess water, take the plant out of the pot and set it onto paper towels which will absorb the water. Then scratch off as much soil as you can.
Add new soil to the pot with perlite and vermiculite for airation then replant the pot. Take off the droopy leaves and wait to see if the new soil will help.
