Erysiphe cichoracearum is the specific fungus that causes powdery mildew on African violets. It first presents as white powdery patches across the African violet's fuzzy leaves -- usually just one or two. The patches are uniform in distribution of the powdery substance.
- How do you stop powdery mildew on African violets?
- What causes powdery mildew on African violets?
- How do you treat powdery mildew?
- How do you get dust off African violets?
- Why does my African violet have white leaves?
- How do you treat mealybugs on African violets?
- Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
- How do you treat spider mites on African violets?
- How do you care for African violets?
- Will powdery mildew go away on its own?
- What is the best fungicide for powdery mildew?
- What is a natural remedy for powdery mildew?
- Can you get African violet leaves wet?
- How often should African violets be watered?
- Are white violets rare?
- What color should African violet leaves be?
- What is eating my African violet leaves?
- Can you use neem oil on African violets?
- How do you kill cyclamen mites on African violets?
- How do you get African violets to rebloom?
- What is the best African violet fertilizer?
- Where is the best place to put an African violet?
How do you stop powdery mildew on African violets?
If powdery mildew on African violets doesn't improve, try spraying the plants lightly with a mixture of 1 teaspoon (5 mL.) of baking soda in 1 quart (1 L.) of water. You can also spray the air around the plant with Lysol or another household disinfectant, but be careful not to get too much spray on the leaves.
What causes powdery mildew on African violets?
Powdery Mildew is caused by the Oidium fungus which thrives under conditions of high humidity and poor air circulation, especially after sudden changes in temperature. ... Powdery Mildew grows superficially on the leaves and flowers of African Violets, covering them with a light gray powder.
How do you treat powdery mildew?
Spray on plants every one to two weeks. Potassium bicarbonateβ Similar to baking soda, this has the unique advantage of actually eliminating powdery mildew once it's there. Potassium bicarbonate is a contact fungicide which kills the powdery mildew spores quickly.
How do you get dust off African violets?
If cleaning dust / grime from your African Violet leaves, make sure to use a damp tool (wet with water and squeeze out excess). Use room temperature or tepid water. Support the leaf with your fingers if possible and wipe away the dust using your tool.
Why does my African violet have white leaves?
Powdery mildew afflicts African violets. In severe cases, the leaves become covered with a powdery, white to pale gray coating. High humidity and poor air circulation contribute to the spread of this disease, which begins with a few isolated leaf spots.
How do you treat mealybugs on African violets?
Light infestations of mealybugs can be controlled by removing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. Repeat as needed.
Is Epsom salt good for African violets?
Applied once per month epsom salts will help trigger bloom in your violets and be a good companion to your African violet specialty fertilizer. Dissolve two tablespoons of epsom salts in one gallon of tepid water in a watering can or pitcher. Swish or swirl the salts in the water to dissolve them and combine the two.
How do you treat spider mites on African violets?
When sprayed on African Violets, it discourages Spider Mites by making the plant unpalatable. Though Neem does have some systemic effect in plants, spray it as you would other contact insecticides, being sure to spray the undersides of the leaves where Spider Mites tend to cluster.
How do you care for African violets?
How to Care for African Violets
- Keep the soil lightly moist and use room-temperature water.
- Leaves are susceptible to rot if kept in high humidity, so water African violets from the bottom to avoid getting excess water on the leaves.
- Dust dirt off the leaves with a small, soft brush.
Will powdery mildew go away on its own?
The Basics of Powdery Mildew
They need the plant's nutrients to survive. And unlike most types of fungi, they cause more severe cases of disease in warm, dry weather. A mild case may go away on its own.
What is the best fungicide for powdery mildew?
The Best Fungicides for Getting Rid of Powdery Mildew, Snow Mold, Grass and Lawn Fungi
- Bonide 811 Copper 4E Fungicide. ...
- Spectracide 51000-1 Immunox Fungicide. ...
- Serenade Garden AGRSER32 Organic Fungicide. ...
- Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide.
What is a natural remedy for powdery mildew?
Combine one tablespoon baking soda and one-half teaspoon of liquid, non-detergent soap with one gallon of water, and spray the mixture liberally on the plants. Mouthwash. The mouthwash you may use on a daily basis for killing the germs in your mouth can also be effective at killing powdery mildew spores.
Can you get African violet leaves wet?
Yes, you can get African violet leaves wet. It does rain where they grow. However, do NOT let water sit in their centers, don't use cold water, which will mar the leaves, and let it dry out of the sun. If you don't want to do that, use a soft paintbrush or a baby brush to brush the dust off the leaves.
How often should African violets be watered?
βHow often to water African violets?β is perhaps the most pondered African violet dilemma. The best guide is to feel the top of the soil: if it is dry to the touch, then it is time to water. African violets should be allowed to dry out between each watering for best results. Overwatering can kill a plant.
Are white violets rare?
The last two species of violets are typically not white but have white forms that are occasionally found. The white form of the Common Blue Violet is occasionally found among the more common blue forms of the flower. ... It is a large violet often found in dry areas where other violets do not typically grow.
What color should African violet leaves be?
If violets are growing in too little light, the leaves become darker green and thin, petioles or leaf stems are very long and weak, and the plants flower very little if at all. Violets exposed to too much sunlight will have pale yellow-green leaves.
What is eating my African violet leaves?
As their name suggests, Leaf Beetles feed on the foliage of African Violets, chewing small holes at the edges of the leaves. Leaves have holes in them. They appear to have been eaten. Leaf Beetles typically chew holes at the edges of the leaves.
Can you use neem oil on African violets?
Fortunately, African violet aphid control is fairly easy. ... Alternatively, you can find different pesticides that will kill aphids on African violets. But for these and other pests, it's always better to try non-chemical methods first. Neem oil is another option.
How do you kill cyclamen mites on African violets?
Heat treatment.
Cyclamen and broad mites are heat sensitive and can be killed if immersed in 110 degree F water for 30 minutes. These temperatures are generally low enough to cause little damage to most plants but water temperature must be maintained properly and the whole plant, pot and all, needs to be immersed.
How do you get African violets to rebloom?
- 8 Ways to Get Your African Violet to Bloom Again. ...
- Let There Be Light. ...
- Turn Up the Humidity. ...
- Replenish Essential Nutrients. ...
- Keep it Pleasant. ...
- Choose the Right Soil. ...
- Protect From Pests & Disease. ...
- Constrict the Roots.
What is the best African violet fertilizer?
About African Violet Fertilizer
The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are commercial formulas available specifically for fertilizing African violets, but many of these use urea as the nitrogen source. In certain conditions, urea can burn the plant's roots.
Where is the best place to put an African violet?
Where to Grow African Violets. African violets are strictly indoor plants in North America, largely because their leaves need to stay dry. Grow plants in bright, indirect light for the best color and blooms. A plant stand three feet away from a west- or south-facing window is an ideal location.