Most life cycles of pests don't last very long. If you wanna be safe, I guess 6-8 weeks for bud removal is fine. I've never had flowers come back that fast until recent plants!

This is one of the two good plants from Harmony with no sign of bugs on either one. They were never exposed to the buggy plants I brought home later that week.

So even though they're so far clean, and this is what I'm getting from your response, it still needs spraying to be safe, though having been disbudded once it shouldn't need to be disbudded again. Sorry if I'm sounding confused, I just want to be clear... I should spray and not disbud again. Does that sound about right?

So, does it follow, that we are talking about routinely spraying with Safer soap every time an AV is brought home (and quarantined), to be safe, and not only at the sign of trouble or possible exposure?

I suppose that's debatable, as some might think of using Safer soap as a preventative measure, and others might say it's a treatment.

I am not familiar with Safer Soap. I just looked it up - is it neem based? I have had some problems with mealies and I am thinking this may help. Is it something that is alright to use around my kitties?

Looks like an organic product with poison warnings for skin contact and inhalation on the back label. You can call their number to ask about your pets: 1-800-800-1819

https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-5118-Insect-Killing/dp/B00192AO90/ref=pd_sim_86_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00192AO90&pd_rd_r=H9RJCEX8D4PFQ0XAS2MA&pd_rd_w=k6Yoz&pd_rd_wg=ki7HN&psc=1&refRID=H9RJCEX8D4PFQ0XAS2MA

Carolyn, alcohol is usually a good (and safe) clean up for mealies. If your infestation is so bad that mealies are everywhere,,,,take a leaf and keep it alcohol-ed and clean and ISOLATED in a baggie, and toss the bad infestation. Just my 2 cents worth! Rosie

Dviolet -thank you. I will call.

Rosie - I use a 50/50 alcohol/water mix on all of my houseplants, including my AV's. I haven't seen the mealies in a while on my violets (they are kept separately from all other plants), however, I do see mealies on my other plants.

At least your violets are clear. Good thing. Now go after your other plants! If you don't, they can be carried by you to your violets. Rosie

Any soap works, not only Safer - in good concentration. I killed aphids outside with a solution of old soap leftovers ... it clogs their breathing openings... do not know about thrips - but aphids have them on their butts. So - just soap their butts ,,,

HaHaHaHa!!! funny stuff Irina

Irina,,,,I can't even say what image that conjures up! roflmbo!!!!! Rosie

I am going after the little buggers (no pun intended). The last thing I want to see is anything on my violets! Thank you all!

Go get 'em Carolyn!! We're right behind you!!!!!!!!!!! Rosie

behind you with soap.