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Black Stems on african violet

african violet with black stems

What's Happening

African violets are highly susceptible to crown rot if water sits in the center of the rosette or on the hairy leaves, which trap moisture and facilitate fungal/bacterial growth.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Always water from the bottom by placing the pot in a tray of water for 15-20 minutes.

  2. 2

    Wipe any accidental drops from leaves immediately with a paper towel.

How to Prevent It

Use a self-watering wick system or consistent bottom-watering schedule.

Related Problems

Same Problem on Other Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes black stems on my plant?
African violets are highly susceptible to crown rot if water sits in the center of the rosette or on the hairy leaves, which trap moisture and facilitate fungal/bacterial growth.
How do I fix black stems?
Always water from the bottom by placing the pot in a tray of water for 15-20 minutes.. Wipe any accidental drops from leaves immediately with a paper towel..
How do I prevent black stems from happening again?
Use a self-watering wick system or consistent bottom-watering schedule.