> Hello ...
> >
> > I have three African violets. One that I have had for three years is
> > now suddenly wilted, and the leaves and stems are very soft and limp > > to the touch.
> >
> > This plant has sentimental value for me and I would not like anything
> > to happen to it.
> >
> > Might anyone know what is causing this, and what I should do?
> >
> > Any advice would be much appreciated.
> >
> > Many thanks ...
> >
> > Linda W.
>
> AV's are probably one of the easiest plants to grow. My guess is that you
> overwatered it because it was flowering and put on a great show.
> Unfortunately, AV respond well to a bit of benign neglect, particularly when
> it comes to excess watering. They don't like wet feet.
>
> Here are a couple of thoughts that might work to resurrect you plant: l.
> Clean off the old soil from the plant and repot in new soil that isn't soggy
> and keep the new soil damp but not wet. 2. Break off one of the healthiest
> leaves from your plant at the base and put it in water. When roots develop,
> plant the leaf in a high humus soil and wait for new plants appear.
> Personally, I would repot first and try for a new plant from a leaf as a > backup. >
> Good luck...
>
> John
John and Tracy ...
Thanks so much for your responses.
The soil in the little pot is indeed quite wet, and so I think your overwatering theory is probably correct. I'm not even sure why I watered it so much, as I generally tend to let them get dry in between waterings.
John, the plant wasn't flowering at the time I watered it. In fact, I've put all three plants out on my balcony rather than in their usual location inside because I thought perhaps more light out there might encourage them to flower. The one in question hasn't flowered for years.
I don't have any extra soil on hand but if the soil the plant is in doesn't begin to get dryer today, I guess I will purchase some. Any suggestions on what to purchase? And I'll also see if I can start rooting a leaf, too.
I hope the plant will be able to dry out. As I said, it has sentimental value to me.
It would be fun if the plants would also flower (although I'll be happy if that one just dries out okay), but I'm not sure what else to do beyond trying to give them more light.
Thanks again for the help and suggestions!
Linda W.