Question

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Followup To

Question -
Since gloxinias and african violets are of a similar velvety leaf I am hoping that you can advise me as to how I can rid my gloxinia plants of these fuzzy white spots on the stems and leaves. I tried alcohol on a qtip the last time and the plants died. Now they they are back on my new plants. Help!

Answer -
If they look like pieces of cotton ball it is foliar mealy bugs.  They are very hard to get rid of.  The alcohol on a q tip is the best way to go.  Make sure the q tip is just damp not dripping.  This is not a full proof solution and I hate to tell you that there is not one.  I would take leaves of the effected plants, dip them in a solution of 10% bleach water for about 30 seconds and then set them for new plants.  This is a good thing to do so you don't loose that variety.

Happy Growing
And Good Luck
Thank you Kristina can you tell me what is the cause of this problem and should I start with brand new soil the next time around? I am thinking that these new plants got it from the old soil. What do you think?
Kristina

Answer
You should always use fresh soil when repotting.  It decreases the chance of these things being passed on.

There are so many ways you can get these.  They can come in on your clothes.  The best thing to do is watch them carefully and treat as needed.  Don't handle them after you have been in the garden.  Change clothes and wash your hands after this activity.

I hope this helps.

Kristina