African Violet Disease

Mehawkes

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help with this. My plants have been affected by the disease you can see in the picture. As they grow they become stunted at the centre and go tough and whitish. Then they die. I'd be grateful for any ideas. Many thanks.

Obelixx

This looks to me like a problem caused by watering technique and/or light levels.

Have a read of this info from the RHS and make sure you scroll down to Problems which gives explanations about watering and light - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=942

Mehawkes

Hi Obelixx, Thanks for taking the time to reply. I will review my practice in these respects. However, I've been growing these plants successfully for many years and with no change on my part this problem has only arisen the last few months. I wondered therefore if it was some sort of disease.

BobTheGardener

That is possible, especially if the affected plants have all been grown from leaf cuttings originating from the same diseased 'mother' plant, or one of it's direct decendants.  Is that a possibility?

Mehawkes

At the moment I have three types of African violet, which I've kept going by taking cuttings over the years. Two of the three are affected by whatever this is. I can't see anything that resembles it searching online.

BobTheGardener

Mmm, odd as you say.  I agree with Obelixx that it does look more related to growing conditions.  If you are using the same compost and cultural regimes, then worth checking the roots for pests.  There is something called 'root rot nematode' which can affect them, as well as the more usual vine weevil grubs and various kinds of root aphid.

Mehawkes

Thanks very much, Bob. I'll look into that.