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.
Expert: Nancy Date: 8/23/2007 Subject: droopy leaves due to heat stress?
Question This summer 3 out of my 4 AV developed droopy leaves. It was quite hot in the house-so heat stress could be the cause. Now there is new, normal growth in the center and the droopy leaves around the edges. I checked for mealy mites and did not see any. Will the droopy leaves die and fall off or should I remove them? Why did the last AV not develop heat stress if this is the cause. I don't believe the plants were overwatered-I let them dry out a bit because I was concerned they were too wet.
Thanks for your reply.
Answer It sounds like heat stress on the plants.
I would have mentioned soil mealy bugs when you said the leaves were droopy but you said the plants were fairly dry between waterings. One sign of soil mealy bugs is droopy foliage that looks like it needs water yet the soil is damp to wet.
I would remove the droopy leaves. You can put some in a bowl of warm water and see if they will become turgid enough to plant to make other plants.
Some varieties of AVs seem more able to tolerate different growing conditions so I guess you have at least one very strong plant.
