Pest identification
What's eating my african violet 'rob's boolaroo'?
Cyclamen mites
Signs: Severely distorted, hardened new leaves in the crown; reduced or malformed flowers; stunted plant overall
Control: Isolate the plant at once; treat with an appropriate miticide; discard heavily affected specimens to protect nearby plants
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at petiole bases and in the crown; yellowing and wilting leaves
Control: Dab with alcohol swab; spray with neem oil solution on all surfaces weekly; check root zone if infestation is heavy
Thrips
Signs: Petals show silver scars, streaks, and brown edges; tiny insects visible in open flowers
Control: Remove open flowers; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; use sticky blue traps; treat every 5–7 days
Keep african violet 'rob's boolaroo' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats african violet — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common african violet 'rob's boolaroo' problems & fixes
- African Violet 'Rob's Boolaroo' watering schedule
- African Violet 'Rob's Boolaroo' light requirements
- Full african violet 'rob's boolaroo' care guide
African Violet 'Rob's Boolaroo' pests — FAQ
What is eating my african violet 'rob's boolaroo'?
African Violet 'Rob's Boolaroo' is susceptible to the classic indoor flowering-plant pests. Cyclamen mites cause the most serious damage, deforming the crown and stunting growth. Mealybugs hide at the base of leaf petioles, and thrips damage petals and buds. Never wet the foliage and quarantine new plants for 2 weeks before placing nearby.
How do I get rid of cyclamen mites on african violet 'rob's boolaroo'?
Severely distorted, hardened new leaves in the crown; reduced or malformed flowers; stunted plant overall Isolate the plant at once; treat with an appropriate miticide; discard heavily affected specimens to protect nearby plants
How do I get rid of mealybugs on african violet 'rob's boolaroo'?
White cottony masses at petiole bases and in the crown; yellowing and wilting leaves Dab with alcohol swab; spray with neem oil solution on all surfaces weekly; check root zone if infestation is heavy
How do I get rid of thrips on african violet 'rob's boolaroo'?
Petals show silver scars, streaks, and brown edges; tiny insects visible in open flowers Remove open flowers; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; use sticky blue traps; treat every 5–7 days