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How do you get rid of mites on African violets?

Getting rid of mites on African violets can be done in several ways. The first and most important step is to properly identify the mites, to ensure the most effective solution is used. If the mites are aphids, these can be removed by spraying the plant with a basic soap and water solution (1 tablespoon of mild soap per quart of water).

Alternatively, insecticidal soap may be used for more severe infestations, however this should only be used as an absolute last resort as it’s toxic to the plant.

If the mites on the African violets are actually spider mites, then this requires a different solution. Natural solutions such as rubbing alcohol (no more than 50% concentration) can be used to effectively and safely remove spider mites.

To do this, dampen a cloth with the alcohol and rub the leaves of the African violets until all the mites have been removed. Though the alcohol can burn the leaves, the effects are usually negligible.

If the infestation is severe, then chemical solutions such as insecticides may need to be used. When using these, be sure to follow all directions and safety precautions. It’s also important to apply adequate amounts to ensure successful mite removal.

Additionally, it’s best to seek advice from a professional in order to determine the best strategy for treating the infestation.

How do I know if my African violets have mites?

The first step in determining if your African violets have mites is to look closely at the leaves. If you see small dots on the surface of the leaves that look like red, yellow, or white specks, this may indicate mite infestation.

You can also take a closer look and use a magnifying glass to better identify the mites, as they will appear as very small eight-legged creatures. If you notice these pests, it is important to act quickly to treat the infestation before it spreads.

Be sure to inspect all leaves, as mites can spread rapidly if left unchecked. You can also look for other indicators of mites, such as discolored or curled leaves. If your African violets show any of these signs, it is best to take steps to treat the infestation immediately.

It is also important to keep the plants’ environment clean and dry to deter mites, as they can be attracted to humid conditions.

What are the tiny white specks on my African violet leaves?

The tiny white specks that you are seeing on your African violet leaves are likely mealybugs. Mealybugs are tiny, sap-sucking insects that are usually white and covered in a waxy substance. They tend to congregate in areas of the African violet leaves where the stem meets the leaf, including in the crevices of the leaves.

Mealybugs feed on the sap inside the leaves and stem, and can cause stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves of the plant if left unchecked. If you see mealybugs on your African violet, you should remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

You can also use insecticidal soap to treat the mealybugs, as well as other insect pests, if needed.

What do African violet thrips look like?

African violet thrips are minute insects that measure about 1.4 to 1.7 mm in length. They have a pale yellow-brown hue and transparent wings with a delicate feathery texture. These thrips possess a distinctive “T” shape appearance, compared to most other thrips species.

They are shaped like a tiny cigar with their bodies narrower near the head and wider at the abdomen with the legs tucked in at the sides. The head of the African violet thrips is slightly pointed and has short antennae.

The legs are long and slender, allowing these insects to be quite agile. The larvae are even smaller (about 0.7 to 1.2mm) and appear white, yellow or greenish in color. It is important to note, however, that these colors can vary depending on the diet of the thrips.

Can I spray neem oil on African violet?

Yes, you can spray neem oil on African violets. Neem oil is a safe and natural plant pest repellent, and it does not have any adverse effects when used correctly. Remember to always apply neem oil when the plant is in the dormant stage as it can cause damaging effects if applied in hot weather.

To spray neem oil on African violets, dilute a teaspoon of neem oil with a cup of warm water and disperse it evenly on the leaves with a spray bottle. Make sure to avoid wetting the blooms or the center of the plant.

You may need to spray the plant every few weeks to keep the pests away. In case of any signs of infestation, increase the frequency of application for best results.

Can you spray African violets with insecticidal soap?

Yes, you can spray African violets with insecticidal soap. Be sure to use a brand that is specifically formulated for use on houseplants, as many insecticidal soaps contain chemical ingredients which can harm the delicate African violet leaves.

Also, it is important to properly dilute the soap according to label directions, as it can also cause damage to the foliage if it is used in too concentrated of a solution. After diluting, spray the entire African violet, including the underside of the leaves, to ensure that all insects have been eliminated.

It is also important to repeat this process every 7-10 days to make sure the insects do not return. Additionally, it is a good idea to use a soft cloth or brush to remove any excess insecticidal soap, as it can cause a buildup on the foliage which can block sunlight and discourage healthy growth.

Do African violets get thrips?

Yes, African violets are prone to getting thrips, which are tiny insects that feed on their leaves and flowers. Thrips create small blemishes, which can be seen as silver and brown marks on the underside of the leaves.

These marks can sometimes turn into small pits or necrotic spots. Thrips also cause flowers to bud but then fail to open. To prevent thrips, keep the humidity around African violets high, prune dead or damaged leaves, and provide air circulation by periodically opening the windows.

Furthermore, it’s important to inspect new plants and plants purchased from vendors, as they often contain thrips. If thrips are spotted, remove the affected leaves and flowers and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or bacillus thuringiensis.

Does malathion get rid of thrips?

Malathion is an insecticide that is effective, though not specifically targeted, against thrips. It has the potential to be an effective control period, though the efficacy can vary depending on the particular thrips population, the amount of malathion used, and the environmental conditions at the time of application.

Thrips are very small and easily spread so it may be difficult to ensure all affected areas are treated properly with malathion, and it may take several applications over a period of time to effectively get rid of an infestation.

Malathion also has potential side effects such as damage to beneficial insects, higher rates of resistance in future generations of thrips, and potential harm to the environment. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of using malathion to control thrips.

If possible, it is best to try physical controls such as reducing pest habitat, removing affected plants, and encouraging natural predators before resorting to chemical controls like malathion.

Is malathion effective against thrips?

Malathion can be an effective control method against thrips, but it can also be difficult to use because thrips are so small. When using malathion, it is important to accurately identify the type of thrips present and to use the most effective application rate and method.

Malathion can be used as a foliar spray, soil drench, or trunk injection. However, malathion is systemic, meaning that it is absorbed and distributed throughout the plant, and it can take up to two weeks for it to take effect.

When applying malathion against thrips, it is important to ensure that adequate coverage is achieved and that the chemical is applied when temperatures are low to reduce the amount of volatilization (evaporation) and to ensure that the chemical has sufficient time to move into the plant tissue before it breaks down.

Malathion can be quite effective when applied against certain species of thrips and can offer good control when used at the recommended rates and in conjunction with other control measures.

What plants are sensitive to insecticidal soap?

Plants that are sensitive to insecticidal soap include: roses, zinnias, marigolds, snapdragons, petunias, impatiens, cucumbers, squash, melons, beans, broccoli, and peppers. Plants in the onion family (onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, and chives) and some members of the amaryllis family (including daffodils, paperwhites, and hyacinths) are also sensitive to insecticidal soap and may be damaged if exposed.

In addition, many ornamental and flowering plants are classified as sensitive, including begonias, impatiens, geraniums, hibiscus, chrysanthemums, and petunias, among others. It is important to note that insecticidal soap is generally safe to use around most plants, however, too much of the chemical can harm some of the more sensitive varieties.

It is best to carefully follow the instructions on the package and to consult a knowledgeable garden center professional or extension agent if unsure.

Can insecticidal soap damage plants?

Yes, insecticidal soap can damage plants. Even though natural insecticidal soaps are made from plant-derived ingredients and primarliy designed to target insects, they can still cause damage to some plants if not used correctly.

The soap can burn the plant’s foliage, especially when it’s applied in direct sunlight or when the soap is applied too heavily. Also, insecticidal soaps can cause problems on sensitive plants such as ferns and new growth on other plants.

To avoid these problems, make sure the insecticidal soap is applied to dry plants, used as directed on the label, and not used on very young tender plants.

Does insecticidal soap need to be rinsed off?

Yes, insecticidal soap needs to be rinsed off after use. This is because the soap can be harmful to some beneficial bugs, such as beetles, bees, and butterflies, if left on the plant. Additionally, if the soap is left on the plant, the oils and fatty acids present in insecticidal soaps can create a shiny layer on the leaves, which can block sunlight from hitting the leaves and potentially damage the plant.

To ensure that the soap does not damage your plants, you should thoroughly rinse off the leaves with a steady stream of water at least 15-20 minutes after applying the soap. You may also need to repeat rinsing if the weather is warm and sunny in order for the soap to be fully rinsed off.