I only have two African Violets - am no expert. When I first saw the tiny specks all over these plants I thought they were infested with some type of pest, but it's only 'pollen' from the blooms. They've bloomed many times before, but never left this residue before. My question is....how do I remove it without doing damage to the leaf? Should I use a soft brush and brush in the same direction as the hairs on the leaves? Thanks for any advice.
Debra
I have not been raising avs for very long--about three years. I have never seen pollen on the leaves like this before. If it is just pollen you can gently wash the leaves in warm water and gently rub the leaves with your fingers making sure you support them so they do not brake. You can even use a very little oil soap or dish soap diluted in warm water to wash the leaves and then rinse them.
I am concerned in seeing so much pollen. Last year I had a problem with thrips. In reading about them I found that one sign is pollen on the leaves. You might want to check the sticky at the top of the threads. It has been down and not working but hopefully it is working now. You might also check www.optimara.com There is a section on pests and some good information there.
I hope everything works out for you.
Gosh I have never seen this much pollen before . If it is pollen you have a bad case of Thrips. Thrips can and do carry bad viruses.
Is it foliage mealie bugs ? They can look like this too ?
Go to link Nanna gave you for Dr. Optimara.
Good Luck.
I'm glad I posted this! Thought it was silly asking how to get rid of pollen. Would never have thought of thrips. Thanks so much Nanna and Allison.
Debra
You are welcome fleursdefouquet. Keep us posted on what you find out.
I couldn't see them well enough to identify them - even with my reading glasses and a magnifying glass. Oh, dear, I hate to admit that! LOL! I never could determine for sure if there was anything on the backs of the leaves and there was no yellow veining, but eventually discovered the unopened blooms COVERED in little green things similar to aphids. Wish I could report I took heroic steps to save them, but I didn't. They were so badly infested that I threw them away. Is that a sin in the AV world? I'll get a fresh plant and start all over.
Debra
I throw any sick plants out too !
Good for you! It took me way to long to make the decission to throw things out. I would have done the same thing.
LOL! That's one of the things that attracts me to gardening. Complete control!!! If I don't like how a plant is performing, I can just yank it out and replace it with one that does! I'm not known for my patience.
Debra
I feel the same way. ! I am not going to use strong pesticides in my home bad for my familys health. Even if the plant is new comes to the door sick its garbage. I also isolate all new plants if they dont do good in 3 months their gone. Keeping unhealthy plants just spreads to other plants. Thrips can carry a virus that only burining can get rid of. They have cycles in life that need several treatments. You did good throwing it out !
Allison, you have a dmail
Debra you are too funny and so honest. Made me laugh. Thanks
Nanna, I really began gardening in earnest about 6-7 years ago with a 50' x 50' vegetable garden. That's when I realized it was like my little 'kingdom' to rule over! TOTAL CONTROL! It was heaven for someone who can, at times, be a little of a control freak. The only thing I couldn't control was the deer! LOL!
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/610577/
Debra
I hear you! Boy do I hear you. I don't think anything can control deer.
