A number of violets that I have started from leaves I bought at an AV convention have grown quite well, but now at the very center, there is no growth except for some stunted gray, twisted stuff. What is it? Is there any hope for them? Please let me know if you recognize this condition.
I may have a BIG problem
I had the same thing happen to three of my plants. Sorry, I do not know what it is. But all three died.
In searching at the Optimara site the closest thing I could come up with was fertilizer deficency. I really don't think that was the case. I think it was some kind of fungus. No matter what I did as soon as new growth appeared it would turn gray and die. I finally threw the plants out because I did not want it to spread. So far so good.
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This message was edited Jul 12, 2006 7:46 AM
This has happened to a couple of mine, too.... it seems to follow the condition where the center gets tight, with little pale leaves... some of mine with tight centers recovered when I moved them to slightly lower light and started using filtered water (no chlorine), but a couple got these dying-back centers instead of recovering. They are in a corner by themselves, just in case it's something that spreads, but I'm pretty sure it is not any sort of insect. I have some plantlets coming along well, so I will probably throw out these plants down the road as Nanna did.
Many sights have information on this problem.
One Dr. Optimara
http://www.optimara.com/doctoroptimara/diagnosis.html
Also Robs Violet Barn does.
One search on DR. Optimara says ( But also note they have you look for other symptoms)
Crown Pales - Leaves Deformed
Crown is pale. It appears yellow or gray in color. Also, the leaves are deformed or twisted. This symptom will probably be most visible in the crown. As a consequence, the crown may appear tight as the younger, smaller leaves curl up and grow together.
This combination of symptoms may be caused by a couple of problems. You may either view the list of possible causes, or select from the list of additional symptoms below in order to narrow down your search.
And they say " MAY"
Below is the list of problems which may cause this combination of symptoms.
Cyclamen Mites
Fertilizer - Calcium Deficiency
Rob even says different varieties are prone to do this one is plants that flower yellow.
Have you got water one them ?
Have they been too wet ?
Several things to look at as you do your search .
Here is link with leaves and centers that have problems.
http://steverd.com/violets/leaves/leaf-id.htm
You know, one of my big plants that has done this is one that does get watered from the top from time to time because of the pot it is in. I'm pretty careful, but I wonder if I didn't manage to get the crown wet.... I'm still hoping it will grow out of it, as it has pink variegated leaves and such a pretty shape, other than the problem at the very center.
I am having this same problem with one of mine. I thought it was probably crown rot since I water from above. Had this problem before so I repotted with the crown a bit higher and a layer of straight perlite on the top to make sure the crown would dry fast. It has worked with a couple of them.
Glad to know I'm not the only one, though!!