I have not been a good steward of my AVs lately; I've been so preoccupied with streps. Consequently, many of my AVs have weak, soft, yellow outer leaves. I know I need to remove these, but how can I make them thrive again?
Help!
I don't know what's wrong with them, but I'd think just repotting and then keeping them in good light with proper watering and fertilizing, etc. would perk them back up.
I agree with stownes, just baby them for a week or two and I bet they'll pop right back.
Let us know what the results are.
Deb
This may help: "I received several questions recently regarding the rotting of the outer leaves of violets. This is a regrettable but not really unusual phenomenon in areas with hot summers. It seems to be a combination of heat and drought stress and a fertilizer buildup in the growing mix. The older, outer leaves of violets are the most vulnerable to mechanical damage (being bumped, for instance). They suffer from less humidity than the center of the plant, as they are not as chemically active as the newer leaves, hence perform less respiration. They are also farther away from the roots, so when a plant silts, water vapor is lost first from the outer leaves, putting them under stress. In hot, dry conditions, your plants can dry out very rapidly. Fine feeder roots wilt and die, and the weakest parts of the plant are the first to be sacrificed. Rotting where the leaf or petiole touches the pot rims is usually ascribed to pertilizer buildup. Periodic leaching of the soil is recommended to prevent such a buildup. Make sure that the leached-out water goes into a bucket or is otherwise discarded. Don't let is sit in saucers, trays or watering reservoirs. But, once you see a plant display the rotting outer leaves, I think it's a good idea to clean it up and repot it right away."
The is from March--April 2007 AVSA Mag. "Question Box" by Sue Haffner
Hope it helps
Thanks! That makes perfect sense. I will do that.