Question
QUESTION: I have two violets. Both close to 18 years old.  Both in direct light.  Both in violet pots that water from the bottom. I fertilize with violet food each time I  refill the pots with water.  This year  one is larger than it's ever been and is just covered in blooms. The other seems to have one foot in the grave. It's limp and has only 10 leaves left with no new growth and had one little bloom a few months ago. The soil seems a little dry even though the pot is submerged in water. I did try to water from the top but seemed not to work.  I just don't understand why one is thriving and the other is not.  Would love some advice. I don't want to lose my old friend that has given me such a show over the years. Thanks.

ANSWER: Julia,
I completely understand. Having a plant that old is longer than some people have had children! To be honest, I don't recommend watering from the bottom. It can contribute to root rot. However, it sounds like it has worked well for you. The sick plant sounds as if it has two things: a fungal infection or root rot. Actually, it sounds more like a fungus. These are very hard to treat, but it can be done. Rule out root rot first by lifting it GENTLY out of the soil and seeing if the roots look soggy. If not, then examine the roots if you can. You will see that they don't look strong, healthy or white like they're supposed to. You'll find that they break off easily, too, and don't have much resilience. A fungal infection can come from watering from the bottom, and that's one of the reasons I don't like it. It can get the roots too wet and even as humans we get fungal infections (athletes foot) when we get too damp. If the roots look good to you, then try watering from the top. The water may run off quickly since the plant is accustomed to receiving its water from below, but do it slowly and several times a day until the top appears nice and moist (not wet). With violets we have to walk the fine line between too wet and "just right", you know? There is one more thing it could be, and that is a nematode (worm). However, fungus is much more common. There are remedies you can use, but it may take months for a cure so you'll have to be patient. Also, if it is a fungus you will want to remove it from the healthy plant, as the fungus can spread. Another idea is to take a couple of the remaining healthy leaves and root them for posterity's sake. That way, you'll always have a child of this violet!

I realize I don't sound very optimistic, but your problem sounds quite serious.

Now, what to do about the fungus: Go to a HIGH QUALITY nursery and ask for the best product they have for African Violet fungal infections. Then treat it according to directions. I can't give you specifics, because truthfully every violet I have ever had with a fungus did not survive. By the time you see the symptoms it is usually very serious, possibly too late. I don't have any name brands to offer you, but if you visit a nursery and ask someone who knows a lot they can give you the right product. And, since the violet is so sick plan to dilute the treatment by one half to start with. You must treat it gently because it is very ill.

I am giving you the website of the African Violet Society of America. They take Q & As from people like you and me, and are probably the best resource out there. As you know, I'm just an amateur. However, I share your love for violets and I want to see yours recover. I hope you will try everything I've suggested, and I'd love to hear back from you. It takes patience, but if you've had this "friend" for 18 years she is truly worth it!
Best of luck
Here's the website:  www.avsa.org

ADDENDUM:
Julia, it is difficult to find a lot of information on fungal infections however here is another website which gives some "home remedies" on treating plant fungus. If I come across anything else in my books I'll send you another addendum. Keep in mind these are not specific for violets, so you might want to halve the treatments. Good Luck!
Go here:  http://www.ehow.com/info_12089818_natural-ways-rid-plant-fungus.html




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your assistance. I think I will try to root a couple leaves and I'm heading to our nursery to see what they may have for fungal infections.  The roots are not wet or rotted - leaning toward the fungal infection.  Thank you again and Happy Holidays.

Answer
Julia,
Even though the roots are don't appear too wet it could still be a fungus. Go ahead and purchase an anti-fungal solution and apply it at half strength. It may help. It does sound as if your violet is on its last leg, unfortunately. I'm sorry about that. I know how attached one can get to plants. Happy Holidays to you, too. Please don't hesitate to email if you have further questions.