From our perspective as snowdrop plants (Galanthus spp.), our most significant threats are often unseen until it is too late. Fungal pathogens in the soil are our constant concern. The most dreaded is Botrytis galanthina, commonly known as grey mould. It attacks our leaves, especially in damp, cool conditions that we otherwise enjoy. It manifests as a grey, fuzzy growth, causing our tissues to rot and collapse. Similarly, various basal rot fungi, like Sclerotium and Fusarium species, attack our bulbs beneath the soil. They cause our bulb scales to become soft, brown, and rotten, severing our connection to the vital nutrients and water in the earth, ultimately leading to our demise. These fungi thrive in waterlogged, poorly draining soil, which is suffocating for our roots.
Another insidious threat comes from viral infections, such as Snowdrop Mosaic Virus. We have no means to combat this internal invader. It disrupts our cellular machinery, often displaying as pale streaks, yellow mottling, or distorted patterns on our leaves. This not only mars our aesthetic beauty but, more critically, impairs our photosynthesis—the very process that sustains our life. These viruses are typically spread from plant to plant by sap-sucking pests like aphids. When these insects feed on an infected plant and then pierce our tissues, they inject the virus directly into our system, an unwelcome and debilitating gift.
While larger animals are not diseases, their actions can create wounds that allow diseases to enter. Narcissus bulb fly (Merodon equestris) larvae are a particular menace. The adult fly lays eggs near our base, and the hatched maggots burrow into our bulbs. They consume our inner storage tissues, hollowing us out and leaving a rotting shell that is highly susceptible to secondary fungal and bacterial infections. Likewise, small nematodes in the soil can invade our root system, forming lesions that hinder our ability to uptake water and nutrients, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
We are resilient plants, evolved to bloom in the harsh conditions of late winter. Our best natural defense is vigor, which is entirely dependent on our growing conditions. We thrive in well-draining, humus-rich soil that prevents water from pooling around our bulbs and causing rot. Planting us at the correct depth—about 3 to 4 inches deep—shields our bulbs from temperature extremes and some pest activity. Adequate spacing between each plant ensures good air circulation, which helps our foliage dry quickly after rain or watering, dramatically reducing the risk of fungal diseases like Botrytis. A period of dormancy in drier summer soil is also crucial for our health and helps discourage rot.
