Question
I have an African Violet that is around 15 years old. I had been living in Mobile, AL until June of 2006 and then I moved for about 4 months to Colorado and finally on to Phoenix, AZ...and have been here since Sept.
Through all that, my AV has done really well....traveling in a box...left in the car for long periods of time, etc. but hanging in there quite well.
Then, after being in Phoenix for about three months I noticed white powdery spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It's still blooming but has lost several leaves. I tried milk mixed with water to wash the leaves and stems...that seemed to help some but did not get rid of the white spots....I'm pretty sure it's what they call Powdery Mildew....which I find amazing since it's so dry here every thing cracks from lack of water....ANYHOOOOO...I am looking for some natural or healthy treatment as I am living in a small apartment and have two dogs and I don't want to use a fungicide unless I absolutely have to...
Someone told me to use Ivory dish soap mixed with water and to not use tap water as the water here is horrible (their words)
Any suggestions will be welcomed....and I will use chemicals if I must in order to save the plant. Seems so odd that after all she's been through she would get something in this dry, hot place....Mildew in the desert...Mmmmmm????
Thanks for your help...and sharing your expertise with others. It's a really nice thing to do.
Sincerely,
Leslee

Answer
Hello Leslee,

If this is powdery mildew, the milk painted onto the leaves should have helped.  There is also Lysol Antibacterial Spray.  Remember that this spray is very cold and may shock your plant, so hold the can some distance from the plant.

Or, you can try cinnamon.  Cinnamon is difficult to clean off once it has been put on, but it should cure this, then you can brush it off or wash it off in a warm soapy solution taking care to rince the soap and don't put it back with the sun around since it could get burnt.

If this is not powdery mildew, it could be foliar mealy bug.  If it is this, take a Q-tip dipped in alcohol and touch the places with the white mealy bug.  They should disolve.  Rince the alcohol off the plant since this is drying.

I hope one or some of these methods help to clean the plant up.  I wouldn't think you would need a harsh chemical with so many household remedies to try first.

Good luck!

Nancy