Question
I have unusually kept US hanging violets from an original cutting 30 years ago and live in the UK.  They have always loved the kitchen window sill.  In the last few weeks i have noticed the yellow centre of the flower and black specks on the sill and now see that the leaves have holes in them so suspect there is some kind of caterpillar munching on them but can see no sign.  Any suggestions pls.

Answer
This is the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. I will answer on Sunday, 9/19. Sorry for the delay.

Cherry,
Yes, it sounds as if there is an insect or parasite affecting your plants. It could possibly be a caterpillar, though they're large enough to see. I would suggest you visit a home or garden shop and purchase a spray appropriate for AFRICAN VIOLETS only. They are temperamental plants, as you know, and cannot withstand insecticides that many other plants do. Their foliage is so delicate. Read labels and get something that matches the "symptoms". I do not know of any particular products, else I would give them to you. Schultz makes good products, but so do other companies. What you have is an odd symptom, so if the product you purchase does not help within 5-7 days you may want to look at the possibility of nematodes or some form of "worms" in the soil itself, though this is unlikely. If you would like to send me a photo I'd be happy to look at it. To save precious time, let me also give you the website of the African Violet Society of America... they are nonprofit and answer many questions from the public FREE. Go to www.avsa.org.

Again, thank you for your patience in my delay. We had Yom Kippur, then as luck would have it, my son came down with strep throat over the weekend.
Good luck. Let me know if I can help further.