Recurring African Violet Deaths in Same Pot: Crown Rot Suspected

Three violets died in same porous clay pot from Home Depot — center leaves turn brown/mushy, then all leaves go limp. One surviving plant shrinks. Gardener asks if pot is contaminated.

Diagnosis

Porous clay pots harbor fungi/bacteria. African violets dislike terra cotta. The pot is likely contaminated with crown rot pathogens.

Solutions

• Discard pot or soak in bleach solution to sterilize.
• Use glazed ceramic or plastic pots.
• Buy fresh, quality soil and new plants from reputable sources (Home Depot/Lowe's plants often neglected/diseased).
• Don't reuse old soil.

The hamster is not the issue.