Sunlight - Too Much

Description

African Violets need plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. If Violets get more than this, they will begin to show signs of scorching on the leaves and flowers. In some cases, too much sunlight will turn variegated leaf varieties entirely green. In the most severe cases, too much sunlight can actually be fatal to African Violets.

Distinguishing Symptoms

• Leaves have brown spots on them. When this symptom is caused by too much sunlight, it is called Leaf Scorch, a form of necrosis.

If your African Violet appears otherwise healthy, except for similar symptoms on the flowers, it is probably getting too much sun. To be sure, rule out other possible causes.

Other Symptoms

• Leaves curl down on the edge.
• Variegated leaves turn entirely green.
• Flowers turn brown or have brown spots on them.

Treatment

Remove your African Violet from direct sunlight. Violets perform best when they receive plenty of indirect sunlight. You can achieve this by putting your Violet in a window where it gets light most of the day. Adjust your blinds or use sheer curtains to filter out some of the light. If you have access to a light meter, luminosity should be 10,000 to 12,000 lux or about 900 to 1100 foot candles. As an alternative, you can get a reasonable approximation of the light value by simply holding your hand over your Violet during the time when it is receiving the brightest light. If you can barely see the shade of your hand over the Violet, then it is getting the correct amount of light.

Prevention

Do not expose your Violets to direct sunlight. African Violets perform best when they receive plenty of sunlight, but only indirect sunlight. Be aware that the duration and intensity of light may vary with the seasons. For light requirements and ways to measure it, see Treatment.

For more about African Violets and the light they need, see "Caring for African Violets."

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