African Violet with Damping Off? Rare but Treatable
Saintpaulia ionantha
Damping off is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects seeds and young seedlings, causing rotting of stem and root tissues at and below the soil line. It is caused by several fungi including Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora. The disease thrives in cold, wet conditions with poor air circulation.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Seedlings collapse and fall over at stem base
- âĒ Water-soaked, thin, thread-like stems
- âĒ White cobweb-like fungal growth on soil surface
- âĒ Gray to brown stem discoloration
- âĒ Soft, mushy stem tissue
- âĒ Rotted roots with grayish-brown sunken spots
- âĒ Seeds fail to germinate or emerge from soil
- âĒ Wilting of young leaves
â Possible Causes
- â Soil-borne fungi: Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Phytophthora
- â Cold, wet soil temperatures (below 68°F/20°C)
- â Poor soil drainage
- â High humidity and poor air circulation
- â Planting seeds too deeply or too densely
- â Overwatering
- â Reusing contaminated soil or pots
- â Using untreated rainwater
- â Low light conditions
- â Over-fertilization
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Immediate Discard
Remove and discard all infected seedlings immediately. Do not attempt to save - no cure available.
Dry Environment
Stop watering. Turn on fan for maximum air circulation. Remove tray covers. Let soil surface dry completely.
Increase Temperature and Light
Raise room temperature to 70-75°F (21-24°C). Provide maximum lighting (12-16h artificial light if needed).
Cinnamon Application
Generously sprinkle cinnamon powder on soil surface of all remaining seedlings as emergency preventive measure.
Isolate Healthy Plants
Separate healthy seedlings from affected areas. Use new soil and sterilized pots for transplanting if seedlings are large enough.
Organic Treatment
Immediate Removal
Remove all infected seedlings immediately and discard them away from healthy plants. There is no cure for infected plants.
Improve Conditions
Reduce humidity by increasing air circulation with a fan. Allow soil surface to dry completely between waterings. Increase temperature and lighting.
Cinnamon Treatment
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on soil surface around healthy seedlings. Cinnamon has natural antifungal properties.
Biological Fungicide
Apply Mycostop or Actinovate to remaining seedlings following manufacturer instructions for preventive protection.
Future Prevention
Always use new sterilized potting mix, sterilize pots with 10% bleach, sow thinly, water in morning, and maintain good air circulation.
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Use sterilized commercial potting mix, never reuse soil
- â Sterilize used pots and trays with 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes
- â Sow seeds thinly to prevent overcrowding
- â Maintain soil temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C) using heating mats
- â Provide 12-16 hours of light daily
- â Use pots with drainage holes
- â Water only in the morning so soil dries by evening
- â Avoid overwatering - keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- â Use warm water (68-77°F/20-25°C) for watering
- â Ensure good air circulation with fans or by cracking lids
- â Do not plant seeds too deeply
- â Wait until true leaves develop before fertilizing
- â Keep hoses off the floor to prevent contamination
ðą Care Guide: African Violet
ð§ How to Water
Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of room temperature water for 15-30 minutes. Never let water sit on leaves as it causes permanent spotting. Avoid crown rot by keeping the center dry.
âïļ Lighting
Place in bright, indirect light near a north or east-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight which scorches leaves. Can thrive under fluorescent grow lights for 10-12 hours daily.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining, peat-based mix with 50% coarse perlite. Maintain pH between 6.0-6.5. African violets bloom best when slightly pot-bound.