Yellow leaves on African violet: causes and fixes

How to tell

The soil is bone dry, and the yellowing arrives alongside limp drooping leaves rather than soft, mushy growth.

The fix

If the soil is dry, water thoroughly (every 6 to 8 days in summer is the usual pace for an African violet), then settle into feeling the soil before every watering rather than watering on a fixed day.

How to tell

The yellowing comes with pale, stretched new growth leaning toward the nearest window. That combination shows that the spot is too dim for an African violet.

The fix

Move it to a brighter spot, but keep it out of harsh midday sun, which scorches.

How to tell

Older leaves fade to an even pale yellow and growth has clearly slowed, usually after many months in the same tired mix.

The fix

Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer through the growing season, and refresh the top layer or repot if it’s been over a year.

How to tell

A single bottom leaf slowly yellows while the rest of the plant looks healthy and is pushing new growth.

The fix

Nothing is wrong. Snip the spent leaf off and carry on. Plants retire their oldest leaves.

How to tell

Silvery patches with tiny black dots point to thrips.

The fix

Isolate the plant and remove badly damaged flowers or leaves. Avoid soaking the foliage or crown. Use only a thrips treatment labelled for this plant, follow its instructions and test a small area first. If leaves get wet, dry them promptly.

How to get rid of thrips →