What's eating my african violet 'optimara everfloris'?

African Violet 'Optimara EverFloris' is a compact flowering houseplant most threatened by cyclamen mites, which cause severely distorted center leaves, and mealybugs. Thrips damage blooms. Fungus gnats attack overwatered roots. Keeping foliage dry and watering from below are the best preventive measures.

Tiny mites causing tightly clustered, stunted, and curled new leaves at the crown; flowers deformed Isolate the plant immediately; discard heavily infested plants; for mild cases, miticide labeled for cyclamen mites or repeated neem oil treatments are needed

Cottony white masses in leaf axils and under leaves; leaves turn yellow and growth slows Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 7–10 days

Silver-streaked or scarred petals; stippled leaves; tiny insects visible on flowers Remove and dispose of affected flowers; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly for 3 weeks

Root damage from larvae; adults swarm around wet soil; plant may wilt Water from below only; allow surface to dry; use Bti drench for persistent infestations