African Violet Buds Drying Before Opening: Mealybugs and Humidity Fixes

A 6-year-old African violet produced many buds that dried and died before opening. Grower saw "zillions of white specks" on leaves and suspected aphids.

White Specks = Foliar Mealybugs

Aphids are larger and mobile. Tiny stationary white specks = mealybugs. Remove with alcohol Q-tip, rinse with warm water.

Bud Blast Cause

Buds drying = low humidity. Daily mist with HOT water (cools to safe temp). Humidity tray helps.

Don't Discard!

Treat mealybugs, increase humidity, continue care. 6-year-old plants are worth saving.