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African violet · Saintpaulia ionantha

What are these tiny bugs on my African violet?

Pests like cyclamen mites can be tricky because they are so small you might not see them at first. They often cause the center of your plant to look stunted or distorted.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the center of the rosette for distorted or stunted growth.
  2. Look for white, dusty patches on the leaves.
  3. Check the undersides of leaves for tiny webs or moving specks.

Likely causes

  1. Cyclamen Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: The center leaves look twisted, hairy, or stunted. You might see a dusty appearance on the new growth.

    What to do: Isolate the plant immediately to protect your other greens. You can try treating with a miticide, but often it is safest to discard the plant to prevent the infestation from spreading.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: A white, dusty fungus appears on the leaves and stems.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by spacing them further apart. You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use a mild fungicide if the infection is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african violet

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the center of the plant is severely stunted and deformed, the mites have likely caused permanent damage. It is normal to see a little dust on leaves, but it should wipe off easily.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plants spaced out to allow for good airflow. Always inspect new plants before bringing them near your collection.

African violet: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african violet and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Are these bugs harmful to my other plants?
Yes, mites can spread quickly to other African violets. Keep any affected plant in a separate room until it is fully treated.
Can I wash the leaves to remove pests?
Washing can help with dust or some surface pests, but mites usually hide deep in the crown where water cannot easily reach.

Guides to these causes

More problems with African violet

Back to the African violet guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.