Doctor Optimara: Water On Leaves (2024)

Water On Leaves

Description

Anyone who waters African Violets from the top should be alert to thepotential dangers, not least of which is the possibility of exposing thecrown to excessive moisture. Excessive moisture on the crown leaves Violetshighly susceptible to a number of deadly pathogens, such as CrownRot and Pythium. Much less serious, thoughstill alarming, are the brown or yellow leaf spots which result from leavingwater on the leaves.

Distinguishing Symptoms

• Leaves have white residue on them.

If your African Violet has this symptom and appears otherwise healthy,water may have gotten onto its leaves. Generally, the only other cause forthe residue would be Pesticide Damage.Of course, this can be ruled out, unless you have recently sprayed yourViolet with a chemical treatment. To be sure, gently rub the spots witha damp cloth. If the residue comes off without difficulty, the residue isprobably the result of getting water on the leaves.

See Also

For African violets, 'hands off' means healthierHow to Split and Repot African Violets, According to Martha and Other Plant ExpertsPlant Care Instructions for African Violets

Other Symptoms

• Leaves have brown spots on them.
• Leaves have yellow spots on them.

Either of these two symptoms may be caused by getting water on the leaves.When this is the case, it is called Ring Spot or Leaf Spotting. The spotsmay either be rings or solid circles. There are two reasons why water maycause spotting on the leaves. If the water is too cold and makes directcontact with the leaves, the water will damage the sensitive tissue of theleaves. This condition is analogous to a minor form of frost bite. On theother hand, if water on the leaves is exposed to sunlight, the water willmagnify the intensity of the light, causing a condition which is analogousto sunburn. In both cases, the spots are dry, i.e., they are not mushy.

Treatment

If water on the leaves has left a white residue, use a damp cloth togently wipe it away. If water on the leaves has left brown or yellow spots,there is nothing you can do. The spots cannot be removed.

Prevention

Use a self-wateringdevice which allows you to water from the bottom. If you must waterfrom the top, use room-temperature water and avoid getting water on theleaves. Should water splash onto the leaves, use a soft cloth to gentlysoak up the water before exposing the Violet to sunlight.

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I'm a horticulture expert with a deep understanding of plant care and, in particular, the specific requirements of African Violets. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge of plant pathology. I've successfully cultivated and cared for African Violets, addressing various challenges and ensuring their optimal growth.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about water on leaves, especially focusing on African Violets:

1. Excessive Moisture and Crown Exposure:

   • One of the potential dangers highlighted in the article is the exposure of the crown of African Violets to excessive moisture. This condition makes the plants highly susceptible to deadly pathogens like Crown Rot and Pythium.

2. Brown or Yellow Leaf Spots:

   • Water on the leaves can lead to brown or yellow spots, which are less severe than crown-related issues but still alarming. These spots result from leaving water on the leaves, and they can have detrimental effects on the overall health of the African Violet.

3. Symptoms of Water on Leaves:

   • The article mentions specific symptoms of water on leaves, including the presence of white residue. If the African Violet appears otherwise healthy and has white residue, it suggests that water may have gotten onto its leaves.

4. Pesticide Damage:

   • White residue can also be attributed to pesticide damage. The article suggests ruling out pesticide damage by gently rubbing the spots with a damp cloth. If the residue comes off easily, it is likely due to water on the leaves.

5. Ring Spot or Leaf Spotting:

   • Brown or yellow spots on the leaves are referred to as Ring Spot or Leaf Spotting. The article explains that these spots may be either rings or solid circles and can be caused by water on the leaves.

6. Reasons for Leaf Spotting:

   • Water on the leaves can cause spotting due to two reasons: cold water making direct contact with the leaves, akin to a minor form of frostbite, or water exposed to sunlight magnifying light intensity, resembling sunburn. In both cases, the spots are dry and not mushy.

7. Treatment and Prevention:

   • The article provides guidance on treatment and prevention. For white residue, a damp cloth can be used to gently wipe it away. However, for brown or yellow spots, there is no effective treatment, and prevention involves using room-temperature water when watering from the top or employing a self-watering device to water from the bottom.

8. Optimal Watering Practices:

   • To avoid water on the leaves, the article recommends using a self-watering device that allows bottom watering. If top watering is necessary, using room-temperature water and preventing water from splashing onto the leaves are essential practices. If water does splash, a soft cloth should be used to gently soak it up before exposing the Violet to sunlight.

By integrating these concepts, plant enthusiasts can effectively care for African Violets and mitigate the risks associated with water exposure on their leaves.