REASONS FOR COMMON AILMENT: BUD DROP AND 
STEM ROT 
When buds fall off or do not last long enough to de- 
velop, it can be due to a number of things: 1. Too dry an 
atmosphere, that is, lack of humidity, 2. The effect of 
gas fumes, 3. Not enough sunlight and good air circula- 
tion, 4. Overwatering, 5. Extreme changes of temperature 
or drafts, 6. Leaving plant which has been recently 
watered near a cold window overnight. Stem rot sometimes 
occurs being caused by fungi which enter the tissues of 
the plants and cause damage and death to cells. The only 
control for this type of rot is the use of sterilized soil. Also, 
do not overwater, as waterlogged soil is the main reason 
for attack on plants. 
AFRICAN VIOLET PESTS 
Violets received from our greenhouses have been grown 
here under well protected measures to combat diseases as 
we are state and federal certified and keep in effect a 
constant fumigation program. The pests which most often 
bother the home grower are mite and mealy bugs. Both 
of these can be remedied in early stages with OPTOX 
SPRAY as previously mentioned, or Sodium Selenate cap- 
sules (KAPSULATE) which are used one capsule to a pot 
to be inserted in the dirt, or a solution can be made with 
warm water. Directions on package. If they become too 
badly infested it is best to discard them for the protection 
of other plants which are healthy. Springtails, which are 
a very fine thread-like pests can be best remedied by using 
on OPTOX solution and watering it from the top. Nema- 
todes are small round worm-like animals which enter plants 
through roots, cause a swelling of the roots, stems, or 
leaves, and eventually cause an injury known as root knot. 
The best means of controlling this is by using STERILIZED 
SOIL to prevent soil contamination. Plants badly infested 
should be discarded. 
AFRICAN VIOLETS SHOULD BE FED 
Plants should be fed at least twice every month. If 
violets are expected to perform at their best, a plant food 
should be used. A liquid food is perhaps the easiest to 
use. LIQUA-VITA is excellent as it is simply added to the 
water. Complete directions for using are on every bottle. 
If you prefer a powdered food, HYPONEX is a real favor- 
ite, and is very easy to use. Directions on every can. 
When preparing food for plants make only the amount 
to be used for one feeding. Both foods mentioned are also 
safe to use on other house plants. 
Yours for more beautiful, healthy Violets, 
TINARI FLORAL GARDENS 
BETHAYRES, PA. 
