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.
Question I have an african violet in my kitchen and noticed small white/greyish tiny insects with about 6 legs stuck onto the plant but only on and near the flowers of the violet. What are they and how do I get rid of them? Would appreciate any help you can offer. Many thanks.
Answer Do these fly when you put a pencil near them? Are they triangular in shape?
If so, this is white fly and is pretty hard to get rid of.
They have a powdery wax which protects them from sprays. They can give diseases and bacteria to the plant and they weaken the plant by sucking juices.
Control of white flies can be difficult since adults can escape by flying to other areas when you are spraying.
A systemic insecticide which acts on the foliage of the plant will eventually get inside the white fly and they may be controlled in this manner.
A pyrethrum spray is effective but a single spray will not eliminate white flowers and some have developed an immunity to pyrethrum.
Sometimes it is cheaper financially to throw away infected plants and buy another, but make sure the white flies are gone before purchasing another plant.
