What's eating my florist's gloxinia?

Florist's Gloxinia is susceptible to cyclamen mites that cause leaf puckering, thrips that scar flowers, and aphids on soft growth. Botrytis mold on flowers and leaves is a frequent problem in cool, humid conditions. Avoid wetting velvety leaves when watering — moisture trapped on foliage invites both mold and pests.

New leaves become stunted, thickened, and curled; flower buds distort or fail to open Remove infested growing tips; treat with predatory mites (Neoseiulus cucumeris); discard severely affected plants

Silver streaks and scarring on flower petals and leaf surfaces; black frass dots present Remove and bin affected flowers; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; use blue sticky traps to detect early

Green or black aphids cluster on flower stems and under young leaves; honeydew makes surfaces sticky Knock off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; spray insecticidal soap; avoid over-feeding with nitrogen