Water - Too Much

Description

One of the most common threats to African Violets is overwatering. Violets perform best when the soil is slightly moist, but never soggy. The biggest danger from overwatering is that excessive moisture creates an environment favorable to such conditions as Crown Rot, Root Rot and Pythium. Overwatering may also cause conditions of denitrification, which prevents African Violets from getting the nitrogen they need.

Distinguishing Symptoms

• Potting soil always seems to be saturated.

If your potting soil fits this description, your African Violet is probably getting too much water. This condition may be due to simply overwatering, or it may be due to having a pot size that is too large, inadequate drainage or a potting soil that is too heavy.

Also see:

Pot - Inadequate Drainage

Pot Size - Too Large

Potting Soil - Too Heavy

Other Symptoms

• Flowers drop off.
• Plant growth is slow.

Treatment

Too much water is dangerous for African Violets. If your Violet is getting too much water, you must correct the problem immediately. To do this, you must determine why your Violet is getting too much water. Of course, it may simply be due to overwatering. If this is the case, reduce the frequency of watering until the soil is slightly moist. However, too much water may also be due to having a pot size that is too large, inadequate drainage or a potting soil that is too heavy. Regardless of the cause, it is recommended that you use a self-watering device which will give your Violet the correct amount of water. Such watering devices include the Watermaid as well as the Optimara WaterShip, MiniWell and MaxiWell.

Prevention

Use a self-watering device which is guaranteed to give your Violet the correct amount of water. Such watering devices include the Watermaid as well as the Optimara WaterShip, MiniWell and MaxiWell.

For more about watering African Violets, see "Caring for African Violets."

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