Powdery mildew
A dusty white coating on the leaves and blooms is powdery mildew, a fungus that loves stagnant, humid air.
Diagnosis
Powdery mildew
What's happening
African violets crowded in still, damp air with poor circulation are prime targets for powdery mildew. The fungus spreads as a fine white dust across the fuzzy leaves and even the flowers, sapping the plant's vigor and disfiguring the blooms if it's left to spread.
How to fix it
Improve air movement right away — space plants out and run a gentle fan nearby for part of the day, and avoid getting the foliage wet. Remove the worst-affected leaves and spent flowers, and treat the plant with a fungicide or a neem oil spray, keeping it out of direct sun while the leaves are damp. Lower the surrounding humidity a little and keep the air circulating to stop it coming back.
What fixes it
- Neem oil for pests — A neem oil spray treats powdery mildew on contact and helps prevent it from re-establishing.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full African Violet care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this