Stunted plants with curled or distorted leaves may be an indication of feeding by aphids. Both adults and nymphs are similar in appearance with soft, pear-shaped bodies, long legs, and antennae. Like mealybugs, aphids excrete honeydew which gives leaf surfaces a shiny appearance and supports the formation of sooty mold. Repeat this treatment after 7 to 10 days. When only a few plants are involved, consider using a premixed, commercial house plant spray that lists both aphids and African violets on the label.
Thrips are small, slender insects characterized by long, hair-fringed wings.
They damage African violets by feeding on the leaves and flowers. Typical leaf injury appears as irregular or streaked silvered areas dotted with small, black drops of excrement. Flower feeding causes distorted blooms, discoloration or streaking of petals, and shorter flower life. Thrips can be controlled with 1 or 2 applications of premixed, commercial house plant spray containing malathion or Orthene. Be sure that the product is specifically labeled for both thrips and African violets.