What's eating my african violet streptocarpus?

African violets are most commonly attacked by cyclamen mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Cyclamen mites cause the worst damage — stunted, cupped, or brittle center leaves. Mealybugs leave white cottony deposits in leaf axils, while fungus gnat larvae attack roots in overly moist potting mix.

New center leaves look stunted, cupped, hard, or abnormally hairy; flowers may be streaked or deformed Isolate immediately; discard severely affected plants; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering undersides; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

White cottony wax clusters in leaf axils and stem joints; sticky honeydew; leaves yellow and weaken Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat every 7–10 days

Larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth; adults are a nuisance but harmless Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; apply a Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) drench or sticky yellow traps to break the cycle

Clusters on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew; distorted or stunted buds Rinse with a gentle stream of water; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat every 5–7 days