About Nancy Expertise I can answer questions on the following subjects:
Pests, chemicals
Showing AVs
Sowing Seeds
Problems with plants
Basics of AV growing
Episcias
Streptocarpus
Experience I am an African violet Advanced Judge in US and Canada. I have written a book on pests of African violets called "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family" My articles appear in African Violet Magazine and Chatter as well as in other magazines.
Organizations AVSA
AVSC
African Violet Society of Greater Montreal
Saintpaulia Society of Montreal
Publications Book author: "Insects, Pests and Diseases of the African Violet Family"
African Violet Magazine, many issues
Chatter Magazine Many issues
Horticulture
Other Magazines
Education/Credentials University of Indiana Master's work (Music)
Awards and Honors Jr. Queen of Show (Pixie Blue) AVSC Convention Montreal
Approximately 100 blue ribbons
25 or so Best of Class
Past/Present clients I sell mostly leaves on Ebay. I sell plants at convention shows and local shows.
Expert: Nancy Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: white cottony material on violets
Question I have three little violet plants that have been doing quite well. I just noticed today that there is a white cottony material mainly where the leaves are attached to the stem. If it is mealy bugs, how could I treat this w/o damaging the leaves. I was told by my mother not to get the leaves of violets wet. Please help, I am not very good at growing indoor plants and I was so happy when the violets were doing so well. Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Answer Hello:
This sound very much like foliar mealy bugs. Take a Q-Tip, dip it in rubbing alcohol and scrape off the little nests of bugs. These sometimes turn a pinkish color.
If you use a lot of alcohol, rince the plant with warm water.
Cold water will make spots on the leaves but you can even wash your plant with warm to hot water. Let the plant dry with no sunlight which tends to burn when plants are wet.
