Need help with Strep 'Black Panther'

My poor Black Panther seems to have a particularly virulent and persistent case of root rot. This summer it was very healthy as you can see in the photo (yes, it's an african violet pot but there's no water in the reservior). Since then two of the four crowns have died. They suddely get limp and quickly shrivel up. I repotted into a very fast draining mix and a clean clay pot and things looked okay for a while. It has been getting watered only when it's totally dry and starting to wilt. Today I got home and the larger of the remaining crowns is starting to wilt, even though I watered two days ago. I figure it has about two days before it's totally dead.

My question for the group is: if I take a cutting from the affected crown, will it have the same problem or is the fungus only in the roots? I can't really take cuttings off the unwilted crown because it's very small.

My other problem is that I have never successfully rooted a strep leaf. I used the salad box setup with perlite and the leaf that sticks out the top mummifies while the part in the perlite rots. I suspect the 20% or less humidity in my house is the culprit. The only humid spot in my house is inside a terrarium with 80% humidity and 70-80° temps. Would the Strep leaves be okay in there while they were rooting?

I appreciate any ideas, I would hate to loose this one!

Janel

I wish you had systemic granules to treat for rotten crowns and/or mealy bugs in the soil. Steps have to be planted high and not get that crown down in the soil too low. Do you have or can you get a systemic product as Lowe's?

If you can't, I would take the plant apart and wash all the soil away from the roots with warm water and then use a little Hydrogen Peroxide in the water for a while. (after you have planted it again and use a smaller pot. streps like to be root bound, also)

It was treated with systemic about a month ago because I found a few mealy bugs. I have checked the plant thoroughly and found no bugs recently. Does the insect systemic have an effect on fungus? I forgot to add that the plant gets bright indirect light from the sliding glass doors. The pot that it's in right now is about 3 inches across but taller than a regular pot. I thought that would improve drainage. I probably have a smaller pot in the shed somewhere.

I shouldn't be giving advice as I just post about what I would do and that doesn't mean much.
I keep a fungicide to spray called 3 in 1. I use that for powdery mildew.
If I use a taller pot, I put perlite in the bottom of it so they never sit in water. I think 3" is ok but be sure your mix is very light, meaning African violet soil-less mix of some kind with at least as much perlite mixed with it. Don't ever use 'potting soil' for african violets or its' many cousins like the strep.

I am TOTALLY new to streps but have been having better luck with them lately as I learn more from the ladies on these threads :)
If it was my baby, I would unpot it and GENTLY squeeze the roots and crowns with paper towels. Lots of times these insecticides/fungicides (especially the liquid) can be very effective against bugs but VERY strong for failing root systems.
I would then pot up in a small solo cup using 1/2 perlite and 1/2 african violet soil mixed thoroughly with the roots JUST BELOW the soil and the crown ON TOP of the soil. I would NOT water it at all. Then put it in a large gallon size zip lock bag and seal the bag. Before sealing it completely, blow into the bag and seal the rest. Place the bag in bright indirect light. The humidity will stimulate new roots looking for water and the air you breathe into the bag is carbon dioxide which will give the leaves the air they need. Check on it once a week or every other week and add more air when needed.
Once new growth starts, you can slowly open the bag and get it used to regular air again but only a little at a time.

This is just what I would do in order to try to save it. I could be completely wrong, but these are the steps I would take.

Hope this helps.

Kim

Hi, Kim.............looks like you are getting good!

Oh Gail, I am NOT getting good........I'm just used to trying to save things that I have over watered *lol*

If dry soil and humid air will perk it up, maybe I can put it in the terrarium for a while. The soil I made for it is equal parts potting mix, sand, and perlite with a handful of orchid charcoal thrown in. It's so frustrating that this one has the best soil, pot, light etc. and is still doing the worst. All of the others are doing great, if I can keep the mealy bugs off of them.

i wouldn't put a 'sick' african violet in a terrarium with other things. I would let the soil dry out some and put in a big zip lock bag and don't let the sides touch. High humidity is great.
I use a systemic chemical (granules) and scratch in the top of the soil of most of my plants. It lasts for 3 months.

But I just realized that you live in Carson City where it is dry...........so humidity and not water may be just the answer for you.

get those plastic big salad bowls from restaurants or plastic goods from bakery and work on building up humidity for your plants.

I am not good with Strep's at all - yet! I haven't totally given up on them but have not been able to keep one alive in my household yet. I think my problem is that I've kept them too wet! When the time comes that I try another one I will try it without wicking it.

Sounds like great advise from Kim regarding placing the plant in a plastic bag for a few weeks. And I totally agree with Gail regarding isolation of your plant! I would not put a plant of any kind that is suffering with insects or fungus anywhere near other plants, terrarium or plant stand in fear of the creepy crawlies attacking the other plants. A sick or insect infected plant should be isolated. I learned this from the expert growers here on DG.