The African violet grower can often prevent or greatly reduce pest problems by adopting certain practices. ". The fungi Pythium species and Phytophthora species can cause this problem, especially when plants are watered excessively, have poor drainage, or are planted too deeply. Table 1. In general, African Violets need just enough water to keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Botrytis often follows mite injury, so controlling this pest aids in controlling this disease. Field Guide are trademarks of Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Optimara, the Optimara Indoor plant care is a skill and part of this skill is learning how to diagnose plant diseases. They include the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and the Comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki). Do not plant African violets too deep. Pot and propagate in pasteurized media. Isolate infested plants. pathogen or cultural problem, you may access the complete list by clicking on "Pests, Pathogens and Cultural Problems If you suspect one of your African violets has been infested, immediately isolate it from your other plants. The most common reason African violets don’t bloom is because they aren’t getting enough light. leaves in the center of the plant). During feeding, they inject a toxic chemical that disrupts normal growth patterns. Renewing a Favorite African Violet If you have a favorite African Violet and it has grown too large, looks scruffy, or has a turkey neck (it has lost its lower leaves and the stem looks long and lanky), but you hate to throw it away because it has sentimental value, or because it's a favorite, you can renew it. Heavy infestations are more difficult to control. which either do not appear on the other five areas or are not specific to Cyclamen mites (Steneotarsonemus pallidus) are one of the most serious pests of African violets. Feel free to use a decorative container for … Go Back to the African Violet HOME Page Crown & Root Rot: One of the most serious fungal problems of African violet is usually first noticed when the crown and roots of the plant turn soft and mushy. options. Planting African Violets. At each step, you can view the entire 2. The waxy material that covers mealybugs protects the adults from insecticides. Our GET OFF ME! Nashville, Tennessee. Take the plant outside during mild temperatures to spray. in order to zero in on the cause. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. The immature nymphs are susceptible, however. The fungi Pythium species and Phytophthora species can cause this problem, especially when plants are watered excessively, have poor drainage, or are planted too deeply. Petiole Rot: The symptom of petiole rot is a rust-colored spot that appears where the stem of the leaf touches the pot. below. Remove the African violet from the pot if the soil surface is damp. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Cyclamen Mites: Mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders. Any of these conditions can contribute to rotting of the crown and roots. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Never let growing African violets stand in water or completely dry out. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a high phosphorous plant food, but only during the … Blossoms will drop if there is the slightest presence of cooking gas. Keep the potting mix moist at all times, but not soggy, and never let your plant sit in water. Even after infestations are controlled, some symptoms will remain. Water when soil feels less moist to the touch. COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Factsheet | HGIC 2250 | Updated: Aug 8, 2018 | Print | Download (PDF). 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