Hi Toni,

Folks that order from Optimara will chime in-I've never done so.
However, if it died immediately, you should take a picture and contact the company that sold it to you. No way should it just pass away like that. That's not *your* failure it's THEIRS. They should be replacing it for you.

Best,
Judy

It sounds like crown rot.

It's possible that the plant could have been overwatered ... or overheated.

African Violets are very sensitive to overwatering or exposure to extremes in temperature ... and can be killed very quickly if either occurs.

I've had AV's that I felt were more prone to such problems. No particular type or vendor ... just a particular variety every now and then.

Optimara Violets are typically less prone to such problems.

Hi Toni,
Good advice given above by Judy and Aegis. I have never had any problems with plants ordered from Optimara. Check on their website if they have a refund policy. With other companies, if it is within a reasonably short time,
for example, a few days from receipt, they will replace it.
They also usually respond quickly to emails. In my experience, their customer service is good. Joanne

Toni,

I agree; it sounds like crown rot. It may have been too wet going into shipment. It really has nothing to do with the flower color or shape. It's a root/overwatering problem.

Linda

There are some varieties that are a more sensitive to temperatures, but I agree this wasn't your fault. I've had a couple of Optimara varieties that didn't like extreme heat and a Russian leaf started going when it got hot after doing well before (I trimmed off the bad and moved it downstairs and it was okay). It was very hot but other varieties were handling it just fine.

Some can thrive in cooler temperatures than others too. However, this is within a limited range, of course.

If you ordered from Optimara, they would have come with an name though. I know they have a Violet of the Month thing.

Diana