How do you treat an African violet with a wilting fungus?

Answer 1

The gardener's responsibilities in treating an African violet [Saintpaulia spp] with a wilting root or crown rot fungus [Pythium ultimum] are the following:

1. Cut off the dark, rotted, soft parts of the crown;

2. Clean and disinfecting the container;

3. Replace the soil;

4. Reroot the plant; and

5. Rethink the watering schedule.

Where the disease is advanced and widespread, the entire plant may need to be destroyed. The overall appearance and the ease with which the plant is removed from the soil are indicators of the seriousness of the fungal attack.

One of the tragedies in this scenario is the needlessness of its even taking place at all. It happens because of overwatering and poor drainage in unpasteurized soil. Specifically, prevention involves the following:

1. Make sure that the soil is pasteurized. This means heating an aluminum foil-sealed pan containing no more than a 4-inch [10.16-centimeter] high layer for 30 minutes at 180 - 200 degrees Fahrenheit [about 82 - 93 degrees Celsius].

2. Check the soil for clumps and for roots with not enough room, and the container bottom for obstacles to drainage.

3. Don't water as long as the soil is moist 1/2 inch [1 centimeter] down. You know it's moist if your finger or ruler or other object has speckles and freckles of dirt clinging to it. You know it's dry if nothing clings to your soil probe.