Shanti's African violets

Now is the time of year to be aware of pests coming into the house. If you summer your other house plants outdoors, make sure to get them treated before you bring them into the house. Aphids, thrips, white flies, mites, all may be present. Also, even indoors, African violets are susceptible to powdery mildew and fall typically is the time lots of spores are in the air and will come in through open windows.

 I find a natural product called neem treats all these problems including protecting plants and stopping powdery mildew. It must be pure neem oil, google it on the web to find sources. To 1 qt water, add 1 1/2 tsp of neem and 1 1/2 tsp dish soap. Use within 24 hours because the water starts to break down the neem.

It kills insects by smothering them, chemicals in the neem cause the insect to cease feeding, prevents life stages to move to the next...eggs won't hatch, larvae will stay larvae, not feed and die. Will not harm humans, animals, or beneficial insects (unless sprayed directly on the beneficial). The insect must eat the neem. It lasts for about 3 weeks. Works on powdery mildew as well. Smells like onion and garlic but that goes away in a few days. I have watered the plants with it to kill fungus gnats that breed in the soil.