Nutrient Deficiency?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hello all!

I'm having a problem with my african violets. I repotted them towards the beginning of Winter with better-draining and more airy soil (50/50 perlite and av mix). They started out well, but over the Winter season they've progressively gotten worse-looking (smaller leaves, yellowing, leaves dying, etc.). They haven't bloomed for a year now either.

Is it simply a fertilizer/nutrient deficiency? I haven't fertilized since I bought them (two years ago, I know :( ), but I began to do so recently.

They sit in front of a west/northwest facing window. Temps range from 66*F to 71*F. They get watered whenever the soil gets dry, approximately once every 1 1/2 week. I use Miracle Gro Liqua Feed 12-4-8 fert, diluted to half the recommended amount in a gallon of reverse osmosis water.

Featured Answer

dviolet1

8 years ago

GS, what's the winter sun like there in NJ and at that window? The violets need bright daylight if you're growing by a window (not direct sun though). They might not be getting enough light and need some supplemental light. That's a cute plant stand though I don't see a good place to set up some lights on it.

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Comments (6)

goldstar135
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm relatively sure light levels are okay-they get about an hour to maybe two hours of direct afternoon sun (3-4PM ish), with bright indirect the rest of the day.
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irina_co
8 years ago
. Winter air in the house is very dry. For hand watered plants the soil mix is way too light. I would think that if you water them only once in 10 days - they are probably not enjoying a constant barely moist conditions which is the best.

The bottom ones are seriously stressed - they went to suckers all over. Probably not enough light.

Get them all in a sink, clean all dead and dying leaves, give them a good lukewarm, shower and let them dry on a stack of newspapers.

Think about some humidity tray for all 5 of them - and keep them all on the top.

I would think they were kept too dry. That is the main issue.

If somebody would forget to feed us... we probably won't bloom too...
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AnneCecilia z5 MI
8 years ago
The other thing I noticed is that door hinge in the upper right of the photo. If the exterior door next to this plant stand is used with any regularity, they're also getting a blast of winter air every time it opens and closes. That's not ideal, either. I'd follow Irina's instructions to the letter - and then think about relocating them, too.
goldstar135 thanked AnneCecilia z5 MI
goldstar135
Original Author
8 years ago
The door leads to a tiny balcony which is never used in Winter :p no worries.

I'll make sure to keep them more moist. I'll also try to find another spot for them. Thanks again!
Rosie1949
8 years ago
I agree, my first thought is that they looked seriously UNderwatered. I would not worry about fertilizer until they regain a little stability.

I also notice there are not any containers under them to hold water. When you water, let the plant sit in the excess water and you will see it will re-absorb it. Which means your plant was not watered enough. Let it soak up all the water it can for about 15 minutes then drain the bottom container and put the plant back in it.

If you can't keep them barely moist put them on wicks. That is when you can use a 50/50 soil & perlite mix.

If you don't want wicks, I would add a little vermiculite to your mix. Vermiculite soaks up water, perlite does not. It will slowly release that water thus keeping your plant damp a little longer. Doesn't mean you can water less, just means it won't allow water to just "run through" the pot. Always water thoroughly when you water, (again, soak up the excess) then let it get to barely damp and water again. Good luck! Rosie
goldstar135 thanked Rosie1949