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: 7/4/2007 Subject: dead flower buds
Question my av used to bloom huge flowers. now they get lots of flower buds but then the buds dry up and die before they blossom. i think i might have aphids because now there are a zillion little white specks all over their leaves. the av's are loved, watered, filtered sun..what is wrong? i am about ready to ditch them all and start over. the av's are about 6 yrs old.
Answer Don't give up just yet!
Those white specks on the foliage are probably foliar mealy bugs. You can get rid of them by touching rubbing alcohol to a Q-tip then scraping them off the foliage. Alcohol will dry the plant so, rince with warm water; it won't hurt the plant as long as the water is warm.
Aphids are pretty large and move around a lot. I don't think that is what you have.
Those buds that dry up may be caused by lack of humidity in the house. Spray mist the plants with HOT water daily. I say to use HOT water because if you put your hand in front of the spray you will see how quickly hot water becomes cold to the touch. Cold water will damage the plant by two ways; first by shocking it and second, it will leave unsightly spots.
