African Violet Decline from the Base: Diagnosing Root Rot or Fungal Disease

Symptoms of Root/Crown Rot

Lower leaves turning limp and dying while the top looks okay suggests root system failure. Common causes:

• Overwatering or poor drainage leading to Pythium/Phytophthora rot.
• Fungal infection (e.g., Botrytis) spreading from soil.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Inspect roots: healthy roots are white and firm; rotted roots are brown, mushy, or stringy.
2. Check leaf undersides for pests (mites, thrips) with a magnifier.
3. If multiple plants affected simultaneously, suspect a shared pathogen or cultural issue.

Action Plan

If roots are rotted, discard the plant and sterilize the pot. For valuable plants, a systemic fungicide drench may be attempted, but success is low. Prevent recurrence with proper watering and sanitation.