I have been having issues with my African Violet. There is this white substance on it. My daughter thought it might be mites. I was wondering a fungus. I have sprayed it with an organic plant protection called Mighty Mint with essential oils. After spraying the leaves and base I use a soft toothbrush to massage in oil. Just when I think it is better it starts to pop back!! Any suggestions?
I’ve had this on mine as well and couldn’t get rid of it. Even when I cut everything affected off, it seems to come back. It’s not visibly affecting the plant but it’s so odd! Looking forward to hearing others’ thoughts.
1 like Me too!!
0 likes
I think you might have mealy bugs actually by the looks of the stems. But it is hard to tell in a picture
3 likes
Start by cleaning the debris off the leaves both on top and underneath. It’s hard for anyone to tell what bits are insects, debris, or fungus. Use a soft paintbrush or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol on the white fluffy mealy bugs. Reapply once a week until they are gone. Stop using the mint oil, since, it’s not working. Neem oil is a known natural pesticide. I would only apply it if there are insects. Good luck. 🍀
2 likes I have pretty much done all your steps. I have Neem oil. Used once but will try again instead of essential oil. Alcohol also is worth a try. Thanks!!
1 like Those should both work if it turns out to be mealy bugs too. I hope your plant gets well soon!
1 like It takes repeated applications get rid of the insects and I hatched ones. Isolate the plant.
1 like Thanks
0 likes I have isolated it. Plant ICU
1 like
Yup, looks like mealy bugs to me. The sooner you take care of it the better because once an infestation takes over, it’s practically impossible to get rid of. But definitely try by isolating it for a at least a few weeks so they don’t spread. I had a jellie plant with them recently and I gave mine a shower, doused with neem oil once every 2 weeks and picked each bug off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. It seemed over the top at first but they mostly went away. Now I inspect it every week and will have to pick off a few random bugs but it’s manageable and I’m seeing less and less. Good luck!!!
3 likes Thanks. I just can’t figure out how it got this to begin with.
0 likes I figure pest bugs must be able to come in from the outside. I don’t know for sure though
0 likes I think mine were in the soil or already on the plants. I bought two of these Jellies from my favorite shop and I repotted them. Then all of a sudden they were there. It just shows that even respectable plant shops have a hard time dealing with pests. But I spent $50 bucks on the plants including the pot so I was not going to throw this plant away without a fight! 😉 but as you can see they’ve bounced back.
I have been using insecticidal soap to treat mealys and it’s been seeming to work pretty well!
3 likes Thanks
0 likes