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African Violet · Streptocarpus ionanthus

How do I get rid of pests on my African Violet?

It is less common for African Violets to have pests, which usually arrive on new plants or through open windows. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects first.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Check the leaf axils for white cottony fluff.
  3. Look for deformed or twisted new growth.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small white, cottony masses in the leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves. They suck sap and cause the plant to look stunted.

    What to do: Dab the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, use a gentle insecticidal soap spray.

  2. Cyclamen mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The center leaves become twisted, stunted, and hairy. These mites are microscopic and cause the new growth to look deformed.

    What to do: Isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread. Since these are hard to treat, it is often best to discard the plant or take a healthy leaf cutting to start over.

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 you see webbing or the plant stops growing entirely, the infestation is severe. Always quarantine new plants for a few weeks before placing them near your others.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly inspect your plants and keep them clean by gently brushing off dust. Avoid bringing in outdoor plants without checking them first.

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

Can I use neem oil?
Neem oil can be used, but it must be applied carefully. Test it on one leaf first to make sure it does not cause damage.
How do I stop them from spreading?
Move the infested plant to a separate room immediately. Wash your hands and any tools you used before touching your other plants.

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.