Pest identification
What's eating my persian violet?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew residue; distorted or stunted shoots.
Control: Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly until clear.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; pale, stippled foliage; leaves drop in heavy infestations.
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with damp cloth, apply miticide or insecticidal soap; isolate plant immediately.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance; seedlings may wilt.
Control: Allow compost surface to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti).
Keep persian violet pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Persian Violet pests — FAQ
What is eating my persian violet?
Persian Violet (Exacum affine) is a compact indoor flowering plant most troubled by aphids and spider mites, which cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. As a tropical kept indoors, it also attracts fungus gnats if overwatered. Inspect regularly and treat early with insecticidal soap to protect blooms.
How do I get rid of aphids on persian violet?
Clusters of soft insects on new growth and flower buds; sticky honeydew residue; distorted or stunted shoots. Blast off with water, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly until clear.
How do I get rid of spider mites on persian violet?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; pale, stippled foliage; leaves drop in heavy infestations. Raise humidity, wipe leaves with damp cloth, apply miticide or insecticidal soap; isolate plant immediately.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on persian violet?
Larvae feed on roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance; seedlings may wilt. Allow compost surface to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti).