What's eating my saintpaulia 'powderpuff'?

Saintpaulia 'Powderpuff' is an indoor African violet most commonly attacked by mealybugs and cyclamen mites, which disfigure its characteristic fluffy double blooms. Thrips and fungus gnats are secondary threats. Good airflow, bottom-watering, and weekly inspection under leaves keep this cultivar healthy and blooming.

White waxy masses tucked at leaf bases and crown; honeydew, sooty mold, and weakened growth. Isolate the plant; remove colonies with alcohol-dipped swabs; follow up with neem oil spray every 7–10 days.

Leaves in the crown become cupped, hairy, and brittle; flowers emerge distorted or fail to open. Remove and bag heavily infested crowns; apply a miticide labeled for mites on houseplants; keep humidity moderate.

Pale streaks and scarring on petals; double flowers appear ragged; adults jump when disturbed. Remove spent flowers promptly; spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad; repeat weekly for one month.

Root damage from larvae causes wilting despite adequate water; overwatered, peat-heavy mixes encourage them. Bottom-water exclusively; let the top inch of mix dry; drench with Bti solution; add yellow sticky traps.