Why Do My Violets Look Sickly?

Are the leaves discolored, fine webbing may be present?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves have small holes?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the leaves webbed together, foliage is discolored?

Are the plants stunted and yellowed, roots have lesions on them?

Are the leaves spotted or blotched, petals may also be with spots?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Are the leaves covered with white powdery patches?

Do the crowns and roots rot, an unpleasant odor may be present?

Spider mites often cause problems for violets. Hose off plants when symptoms first appear. A strong stream knocks mites off plants and may give control. Introduce predatory mites. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Small holes in violets' leaves are caused by Violet Sawflies. Sawfly adults are small black and yellow wasplike insects with 4 wings. The larvae are 1/2 inch long, dark olive-green with white spots, and resemble caterpillars. These larvae feed on violet leaves at night. They chew holes in lower leaves and may defoliate entire plants. Spray the pests with methoxychlor or malathion.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Leaftier is a caterpillar that causes the foliage to become ragged, turn brown, and die. Larvae are caterpillars, dark to light green or cream to yellow, with a white stripe running down the back. If the infestation is light, break open the “envelopes" and pick off the caterpillars. For heavier infestations, spray plants with BTK.

Stunted and yellowed plants with roots that have lesions on them are caused by Nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic, wormlike creatures that attack leaves and roots of violets. To prevent nematodes mulch regularly with compost to ensure that soil organic matter levels remain high. Heavily infested plants can only be removed and replaced with some other plant species.

Your plants might be suffering from Anthracnose or some other fungal leaf spot. Spots may enlarge rapidly, especially in wet weather. Destroy infected leaves or plants. Spray plants with sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading, especially if the weather is wet. Prevent problems by thinning plants to provide good air circulation.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

White, powdery coating on the leaves is caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Violets can occasionally be infected by fungal and bacterial Crown or Root rot diseases. Crown injury and excess moisture during dormancy also increase the chances of infection. Choose well-drained sites. Add organic matter to improve soil drainage. Keep winter mulch away from crowns. Remove and discard infected plants and the surrounding soil.

some environmental issues might have caused sickly appearance in your violets. These plants enjoy light shade but will also thrive in sunny locations. While they tolerate many soil types, wild violets prefer soil that is moist, yet well-draining, and rich in organic matter.