Self-Watering African Violet Pot with Limp Leaves: Watering Issue or Soil Mealybugs?

A grower used a decorative self-watering pot (unglazed inner, reservoir outer) with constant water. Plant bloomed but had totally limp leaves. One leaf had a perfect round hole.

Two Causes for Limp Leaves

1. Underwatering: Reservoir empty or capillary failure
2. Soil mealybugs: Roots damaged, can't uptake water despite full reservoir

Diagnosis

Check root ball for white powdery mealybug residue. 30x loupe reveals insects. If present: treatment expensive—propagate clean leaves (avoiding soil contact), discard plant.

Leaf Hole

Perfect round hole = chewing insect (caterpillar/beetle), NOT mealybugs. Mealybugs don't eat foliage.

Decision

Only discard if mealybugs confirmed on roots. Otherwise, check reservoir function and water level.