If grown properly, African violets have few problems with insects or diseases. Some of the more common pest problems include mites and mealybugs. Mites are small spiders that attack the undersides of the leaves, new growth, and flowers. Mites are so small they are not visible to the naked eye and the damage to the plant is often noticed first. Control of mites may require isolating the infected plant and spraying with soapy water or a miticide.
Mealybugs are easier to identify, as they are larger than spider mites.
Control requires soapy water baths or removal of the bugs with alcohol dipped cotton swabs. Whenever, the foliage of African violets are wetted, warm water must be used and sufficient time allowed for the leaves to dry out before dark. Foliage that stays moist is prone to fungal diseases. One common fungal foliar disease is powdery mildew. Infected leaves will have small circles of a gray or whitish powder on the topside of the leaves.