White Film or Residue on the Soil

Description

Over a length of time, the surface of the soil surrounding the plant may appear to have a white slime or a chalky residue. This is normal, especially for older plants that have not been repotted. The white surface residue is the result of solids being deposited at the surface of the soil by the evaporation of water. These solids are often minerals in the soil which have been disolved by water and drawn to the surface, or residue from fertilizers once dissolved in water and applied to the plant.

Treatment

If you find a white slime or a residue on the surface of the soil, you may want to repot your plant. When doing so, be sure to select a potting mix that is specifically blended for African Violets. Such a potting soil will be very light and porous. Also, make sure your potting soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

If you do not repot, just take a common household fork and slightly rake the surface of the soil to loosen it. This will allow the surface of the soil to dry and the deposits to dissolve back into the soil.

Begin New Diagnosis

Doctor Optimara Main Page | Glossary of Violet Terms | Contact Optimara

Pests, Pathogens and Cultural Problems (Complete List)

Copyright 1999 Optimara/Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee. Doctor Optimara is a trademark of Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Optimara and the Optimara logo are trademarks of International Plant Breeding, A.G., Switzerland.