Why Are My African Violet Flowers Dying?

Celebrated for their ease of growth and prolonged blooming, African violets are an ideal addition to almost any indoor space. These plants are especially popular throughout the winter months, offering a much-needed burst of color in the form of vibrant pink, purple, or white blooms. Despite their ability to thrive with relatively little care, violet plants will sometimes begin to show signs of stress. Wilting, drooping, and flowers dying back are the most common issues. If you notice that your African violet flowers dying, turning brown, drooping, or wilting, read on for some helpful suggestions.

Why Are My African Violet Flowers Dying?

A sudden decline in plant health can be frustrating. Though it is true that older blooms will naturally fade and fall from the African violet, damaged buds or flowers that drop from the plant prematurely may be a cause for concern.

Cultural and environmental factors are among the most common causes of wilting in violets. The amount of light, temperature, and soil moisture all play a vital role in the plant’s ability to support and sustain healthy flowers.

Proper watering is especially important, as both over and underwatering may be harmful. Overwatering, specifically, can contribute to the development of bacterial and fungal diseases, leading to the loss of plants. Both crown and root rot are sometimes noted in plants that suddenly begin to droop, as well as powdery mildew and severe infestations of insects like aphids or mites.

How Long Do African Violet Blooms Last?

African violets are appreciated by plant parents for their ability to bloom throughout the entire year, often flowering over a period of 8-10 months. The individual blooms are also quite long-lived, lasting several weeks each.

African violet flowers drooping on otherwise healthy specimens may be a part of the plant’s natural cycle of growth. As older flowers begin to fade, it’s not uncommon for the petals to take on a wilted or browned appearance. Though most of these blooms will readily drop from the plant, it’s good to take a more active role, deadheading the blooms as they die.

What to Do When African Violet Flowers Die

African violet flowers should be deadheaded regularly. Though the flowers will seldom self-pollinate, removing each bloom will help to ensure that the plants do not set seed. This will help to focus the plant’s energy on the production of new foliage and the development of flower buds. Routine deadheading also helps improve the plant’s overall appeal, helping it to maintain a tidy appearance in pots and containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should You Remove Dead Flowers from African Violets?

Though faded flowers will drop from plants frequently, removing dead flowers from African violets can help to keep them looking their best. Dead flowers can be removed by snipping each stem carefully or gently pulling the flower head from the plant with gloved hands. This will help promote blooms and may even aid in rejuvenating older potted specimens.

How Do I Keep My African Violet Blooming?

First-time African violet growers might find themselves frustrated by a lack of blooms on the plant. In most instances, this occurs when conditions for growth are less than ideal. To better ensure prolonged periods of flowering, make certain that light, humidity, and moistures levels are adequately maintained throughout the year. This will include routine feeding with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer.