Knowledgebase

African Violet Pests #677600

Asked November 21, 2020, 1:35 PM EST

Hi. Some of my African violets have white specs (or eggs) on top of their leaves and on the leaf stems. Some flowers have brown on them. Some buds are turning brown and dropping off and some flowers are very small. How do I know if the violets are infected by an insect? Is there a treatment that would kill several insects at once without harming the violets? (Thrips, mites and others). Thank you!

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

 You will have to identify what insects you are dealing with. Take a look at photos from our website below. African violets are susceptible to several insect pests such as mealybugs https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/mealybugs-indoor-plants,

thrips https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/thrips-indoor-plants,

and cyclamen mites https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/broad-and-cyclamen-mites-flowers

Control depends upon the insect and the infestation. If you have other plants you may have to isolate from your other plants and if the infestation is severe you may have to discard. Most houseplant insect sprays like insecticidal soap are not labeled for use on African violets because they have fuzzy leaves and do not like to get their leaves wet. You will have to read the label directions carefully for the pest and use on African violets. 

Here is a link from Penn State on African violet care https://extension.psu.edu/african-violet-care

Marian


Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied November 23, 2020, 12:41 PM EST

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