Potting Soil - Too Heavy

Description

African Violets prefer a potting mix that is very light and porous. Such a mix will be comprised mostly of sphagnum peat moss. Other ingredients, such as perlite or expanded polystyrene, may be added to improve drainage and porosity. When a potting soil is too heavy, it compresses around the tender roots of African Violets, thereby stifling their ability to absorb water and nutrients. And because heavy potting soils do not allow water to drain properly, they tend to hold excess water, which encourages more serious problems such as Crown Rot and Root Rot. (Also see Water - Too Much.)

Distinguishing Symptoms

• Potting soil always seems to be saturated.

If your potting soil fits this description and the pot which you are using is not too large and provides adequate drainage, then your potting soil is probably too heavy. To be sure, check the bag from which your potting soil comes. The bag should feel relatively light and airy. Also, aside from those few ingredients which correct the pH and help increase the porosity, your potting soil should be comprised entirely of sphagnum peat moss.

Also see:

Pot - Inadequate Drainage

Pot Size - Too Large

Water - Too Much

Other Symptoms

• Flowers drop off.
• Plant growth is slow.

Treatment

Repot in a potting mix that is specifically blended for African Violets. When choosing a potting mix, be careful. Many potting mixes, which claim to made for African Violets, are much too heavy. In fact, some are little more than dirt. Look for more than colorful merchandising and a pretty bag. Look for a potting mix that is very light and porous. Also, make sure your potting soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

Prevention

Always use a potting mix that is specifically blended for African Violets. When choosing a potting mix, be careful. Many potting mixes, which claim to made for African Violets, are much too heavy. In fact, some are little more than dirt. Look for a potting mix that is very light and porous. Also, make sure your potting soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

For more about potting soils for African Violets, see "Caring for African Violets."

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