African violet is one of the loveliest plants to grow indoors. It is a miniature plant with rosette-shaped, violet-colored leaves. The bright-colored leaves of this plant are the perfect way to add a pop of color to a plant collection. The most common question that people ask related to this plant is, “why is my African Violet wilting?”
Considering this might be a common problem, we decided to give the best solution for it. Because this plant is so aesthetically pleasing that anything happening to its appearance is a real bummer. This article will tell you about the six leading causes that can lead to wilted leaves of African violet. So let’s read about them.
Reasons Behind African Violet Wilting
Dry Soil
Do you know plants hold their leaves and stem upright due to tension created in them by moisture? If the plants do not absorb enough water, their leaves will lose moisture, become flaccid and start wilting. It is why optimal watering is necessary to prevent the plants from drooping down. Therefore, dry soil could be why your African violet is wilting.
The Best Solution:
Water your African violet thoroughly. It is best to water it as soon as its topsoil gets dry. Its soil should be allowed to dry between waterings, but not so much. Make sure you are watering your African violet at least once a month.
African Violet Wilting Because of Root Rot
Too much watering is also hazardous to this plant’s growth. Excessive watering clogs the pores in the soil and does not allow enough airflow. Without sufficient airflow, the plant gets root rot and starts to die. The first sign of root rot is wilted leaves, so you should be alarmed when your African violet is wilting.
The Best Solution
You have to check the soil for any signs of root rot. Gently take out the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil. If your plant’s roots are brown and soft, it means it has root rot. If they are firm and white, your plant is healthy at its roots.
But if it has root rot, you have to treat it. Wash all the affected roots under running water. Then you have to cut out all the affected parts of the roots. It is the only way to save your African violet from dying. Then repot the plant and never over-water it again.
Direct Sunlight
If you have been asking yourself, why is my African violet wilting? It would help if you considered changing its placement. African Violets start wilting if they receive the wrong amount of sunshine. These plants need indirect sunlight throughout the day. Direct sun soaks all the moisture from its leaves, and thus they start to wilt.
The Solution
If your African violet is wilting due to direct sun, you should change its position. It would be best to place it near an east or north-facing window where it can receive bright indirect and not direct sunlight.
However, please do not move it to a dark spot as low sunlight also has a negative impact on the growth of this plant.
Excess Fertilizer
When you over-fertilize a plant, excess nutrients start to build upon its soil surface in the form of salt crystals. These crystals form a layer and do not let the plant breathe or absorb water with time. It can lead to wilting of the plant. So excess fertilization could also be the cause why you have been asking yourself, “Why is my African Violet wilting?”
How to Fix Excess Fertilizer Issue
If you see a white layer of crystals on the soil surface of your African violet, it means it has been over-fertilized. You should quickly run water through its soil to wash off all the excess nutrients.
Moreover, it would be best to fertilize this plant only when you see new growth on it.
African Violet Wilting Because of Transplant Shock
Repotting can also lead to wilting of African violet plants. When you move this plant to a new pot, it faces severe water deficiency and transplant stress for some days. During these days, the plant’s primary concern is optimizing the healing and growth of its roots. So, its leaves lose water and start wilting.
The Best Solution
Do not worry if you have recently repotted your plant and it starts wilting. Just give it some time, and it will become healthy again.
Low Temperature
This lovely plant loves warmer surroundings. If the temperature in the room drops below its optimal range, it starts wilting. Therefore, you have to be extra careful around this plant in winter.
Solution
African violet grows the best when the temperature indoors is around 70-80°F during the day. It can fluctuate 5-10°F during the night. So if it is winter and your African violet is wilting, you should move it to a warmer spot. Hopefully, a rise in its temperature will solve this problem, and its leaves will become healthy again.
How to Save a Dying African violet?
If your African violet is dying, you should immediately check its roots for any signs of root rot. If the roots are healthy, look for any pests or signs of another disease.
To be one step ahead, you should always spray this plant with a pesticide every 90 days so that it does not get a pest infestation. You can use vinegar as a bug repellant in your home. Plus, if you want to make a DIY pesticide, you can make that as well—mix 1 ½ tbsp. of dishwasher soap in 1 quart of water to prepare an effective pesticide.
Conclusion
Why is my African violet wilting? Dry soil, root rot, and direct sunlight are the top leading causes of wilting of African violet. But if these three do not appear to be the main reasons, then wilted leaves can be due to over-fertilization, transplant shock, or cold temperatures.
If you want to save your plant from dying, you should immediately remove any of the above problems. Moreover, you should follow a proper guide to take care of African violet as your houseplant.
