Question
I have had many african violets over the years.  I've repotted, started new plants from leaves and had many, many blooms! But I have never had the problem that I now have...new inner leaves are very hairy, making them appear dusty or gray. The flower buds are stunted, fail to open, or turn brown and fall off.  

The other plants in my home are  2 Christmas cactuses and a hanging pothos.  In the last 7 months I added two Cyclemen.  They are not doing well at all and I have repotted them.  However, I'm wondering if my pretty African Violets got something from them because the Cyclemen leaves also very "dusty" looking.  

Please help! I am not attached to the Cyclemen, but I LOVE my violets!

Answer
Hi Heidi,

Without a good photo, I cannot say for sure what it is that you are seeing on your AV's. Powdery mildew and mealybugs are the most likely possibilities. Both are very hard to eradicate on AV's because of their naturally hairy leaves. I suggest that you mix up a sink of warm soapy water - as if you were going to hand wash dishes - then invert the AV and swirl the leaves in the soapy water for about 30 seconds. Rinse the leaves with clear warm water. A repeat treatment in a week may be necessary.

Cyclamen are more prone to spider mites, which may be why they are looking "dusty." You can treat the Cyclamen in a similar manner as your AV抯. However, you now have a bigger problem with them because you repotted. It is never a good idea to repot an ailing plant and it is very rare that a Cyclamen ever needs repotting. There is a very good chance that your Cyclamen now have rotted roots and will not recover. If you want more information on the care of Cyclamen, let me know.

I have written articles on treating plant pests and repotting that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com