I have a few AVs that have had very tight crown growth, and there are also two of those that appear to have some powdery mildew on some outer leaves. I read this could be caused by cyclamen mites, so I got a small microscope to check the crowns. I did find mites on several, so I looked up treatment options. I did the hot water submersion followed by Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew. I did that yesterday on one to test (I did take some leaves to prop, cleaned with a weak bleach solution, as insurance). It looks like this today. So, some questions:
-
Is there hope for this one?
-
How DO I treat AVs for pests without killing the plant?? I really love the ones I have and I would love to attempt saving them if I can 😕
by Yet_another_jenn
2 Comments
What is hot water submersion? If it’s what it sounds like, that could totally kill your AV. I’ve heard this as a treatment in cylamen plants, but they’re less fleshy and less sensitive to moisture on their leaves.
The only real treatment is a mite insecticide like Bonide Mite-X or Dicofol. You need to be very thorough in application and consistent.
Personally, unless these are unusual varieties or heirlooms, I would dispose of them and buy new ones (that you check very thoroughly).
Blanching a violet is wild.