I would not rule out pests. Misshapen flowers are a symptom of several pests. How is the foliage? Nice clean and solid green, not several shades of green? Or slightly twisted, hard, brittle, hairy?

Have you looked with a 30X jeweler's loupe?

Nancy

Nancy,

The leaves are healthy and robust, only three of the oldest leaves on perimeter are slightly lighter in color. Which is why I hope it isn't pests. But I have not looked with a jeweler's loupe.

I had accidently let the violet go completely dry only once when buds were forming. Can this cause misshapen flowers? One theory: deficient nutrients to share among lots of buds?

Thanks

Oskar -

it is virus - or mites. The difference is in leaves. If you have some abnormality in leaves - please post the photo - if you have trouble posting - send to me direct.

irina

Irina,

I can't post photo because earlier I removed the outer leaves for safety sake. But I think they looked normal, just old. I also removed misshapen flowers.

How do I treat for virus or mites?

Thanks

Oskar,

The treatment for virus is the trash. It cannot be cured. Mites are treated with Forbid. Irina is very knowledgeable on mites so I'll let her help you with that. Just make sure you isolate your problem plant.

Linda

Hmmm - knowledgable...I had both - virus and mites - and I think Nancy Robitaille mentioned it in her book on AV pests - it is easy to get rid of mites, much easier than from Mealy bugs.
One spray with Forbid - and they all were gone.
Mites damage - leaves are misshapen, bubbly, central leaves small - you can find plenty of pics on the net. Virus - uneven coloration of the leaves. Lighter streaks and rings, areas with pale or dark coloration, stunted appearance.

I.

Irina,

There is not visual symptoms of mites damage and virus damage...very strange...

I will isolate problem plant to watch for now.