African violets are thought to be fragile, but if they are grown in the right conditions, they are actually very hardy. However, if something is off in your plant’s environment, it will quickly start to send visual cues. Changing leaf colors are one of the first (and most common) indicators your plant needs a little TLC. Learn more about why African violet leaves turn brown and how to get your plant back on track with this easy-to-read guide!
Let’s look more closely at these 5 common things that can cause the leaves on your African violet to turn brown.
African violets grow from the crown outward, meaning their oldest leaves are the ones closest to the soil. As these leaves reach the end of their natural life cycle, they will turn brown and eventually fall off the plant. Don’t panic! This is completely natural.
If only the bottom layer of leaves is turning brown and the rest of the leaves look healthy, it’s likely just natural aging. You can take these leaves off yourself or let them fall off on their own. Your plant will be fine either way.
Houseplant Pro Tip: African violets can develop a trunk-like, exposed neck if they drop their lower leaves. Over time, this can make your plant vulnerable to toppling over. To keep this from happening, move your plant to a new pot and bury it up to the layer of healthy leaves that covers the neck.
African violets are beloved houseplants known for their colorful blooms and attractive foliage. However, brown leaves are a common issue that plague these plants. If your African violet has developed unsightly brown spots or edges on its leaves, don’t despair! Read on to learn the potential causes and remedies to revive your plant.
What Causes Brown Leaves on African Violets?
There are several factors that could be contributing to the browning of leaves on your African violet Here are some of the most likely culprits
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Overwatering – Too much moisture around the roots leads to root rot and brown leaf margins. Water only when the soil is partly dry.
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Underwatering – Allowing the soil to dry out too much causes leaves to brown and shrivel. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
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Improper fertilization – Too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks.
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Environmental factors – Hot or cold drafts, low humidity, and direct sunlight scorch leaves. Keep violets at 65-75°F with 40-50% humidity.
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Pests – Insects like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips suck juices from leaves, causing browning. Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
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Diseases – Fungal diseases like botrytis and bacterial leaf spot turn leaves brown. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
How to Treat and Prevent Brown Leaves
If your African violet has developed brown leaves take these steps to help it recover and prevent future problems
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Remove any severely damaged leaves by gently pinching them off at the base. Don’t pull leaves off.
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Check the soil moisture and water if needed. Allow it to drain completely to prevent soggy soil.
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Move the plant to a location with proper temperature, humidity, and bright indirect light.
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Inspect closely for pests and treat accordingly. Quarantine new plants before placing them near other violets.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer at 1/4 to 1/2 strength to provide nutrients without risk of burn.
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Consider repotting in fresh, sterile potting mix if the soil seems depleted or boggy.
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Prune back leggy growth and dead blooms to encourage new leaves and flowers.
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Maintain good air circulation with a small fan to prevent fungal disease issues.
When to Cut Off Brown Leaves
It’s generally best to leave brown leaves attached unless they are more than 50% damaged. The leaves still produce food via photosynthesis and cutting them off diverts energy into new growth. However, prune off badly damaged leaves to improve appearance and air circulation. Avoid removing more than 20% of leaves at once, and only cut brown leaves, not healthy green ones.
How to Revive African Violets with No Leaves
If an African violet loses all its leaves, it can sometimes be revived. Water sparingly and give bright, indirect light. Repot in fresh sterile mix. New leaves may emerge from the base or crown. Keep the soil slightly dry to prevent rot until new growth appears. Avoid fertilizing until the plant recovers. With care, some leafless violets can rebound. However, recovery will be difficult if the roots have rotted.
Key Tips to Prevent Future Brown Leaves
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings and water from below to keep leaves dry.
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Provide consistent indoor temperatures around 70°F.
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Give bright, indirect light from a southern or eastern window.
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Use room humidifiers to maintain 40-50% humidity.
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Apply balanced fertilizer at 25-50% strength every 3-4 weeks.
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Check new plants closely for pests before placing them with other violets.
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Sterilize pots and tools to prevent disease spread.
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Improve air flow around plants with small fans.
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Remove spent blooms and dead leaves promptly.
With proper care, most African violets with brown leaves can fully recover. Be patient, address any underlying issues, and provide ideal growing conditions. Your plant will soon produce lush new growth and colorful blooms again.
Water Leaf Spotting
One reason why African violet leaves turn brown is due to their extreme sensitivity to water. In the wild, these plants are protected from heavy rain and direct sunlight by the forest canopy. That being said, your living room is probably not at all like the jungle floor, so you need to be extra careful to keep the leaves of your plant out of the sun and water. If exposed to sunlight while wet, their delicate leaves will burn and develop brown spots.
How to revive an African violet that has been overexposed to sunlight
First stop: Shade! Place your plant in a well-lit room away from the window. Instead of placing your plant on a sunny window sill, put it on a mantle, a dining room table, or another spot that will protect it from direct sunlight. Unfortunately, sun-scorched leaves won’t recover and will need to be removed. Your plant, however, should bounce right back!.