We feel the effects of Botrytis cinerea most keenly on our petals and leaves. This fungal disease thrives in the cool, damp, and crowded conditions that many gardeners inadvertently create for us. You will first notice small, water-soaked spots on our leaves. These spots rapidly enlarge and turn brown, and in high humidity, a fuzzy, gray mold will appear, consuming our tissues. To prevent this, please ensure we have ample space for air to circulate between plants and water us at the soil level in the morning so our leaves have time to dry before nightfall. If infection occurs, promptly remove and destroy our afflicted parts and apply a recommended fungicide.
Our very foundation is attacked by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This pathogen enters through our roots and travels up into our bulb, which is our lifeblood. It causes a brown, dry rot at the base of our bulb and roots, often leading to a yellowing and wilting of our lower leaves that progresses upward. The damage below ground starves us, resulting in stunted growth and eventual collapse. Prevention is paramount. Ensure we are planted in very well-draining soil, as waterlogged conditions are ideal for this fungus. Always purchase certified disease-free bulbs and avoid wounding us during planting, as injuries are primary entry points. There is no effective cure once we are severely infected; we must be dug up and discarded to protect our healthy neighbors.
This is a systemic disease that weakens us from the inside out. Aphids are the primary vectors, piercing our leaves and spreading the virus from plant to plant. You will see it manifest as irregular streaks, mottling, or patterns of light and dark green on our foliage. Unlike fungal issues, this distortion of our chlorophyll-rich cells hinders our ability to photosynthesize effectively. We become stunted, our flowers may be distorted or fail to open, and our overall vigor declines. There is no treatment for this virus. The only recourse is to dig us up and destroy us to prevent the aphids from spreading the disease. Vigorous aphid control through insecticidal soaps or neem oil is the best preventive strategy to protect our community.
Our root systems, essential for water and nutrient uptake, are susceptible to rot caused by various fungi like Pythium and Rhizoctonia. This condition is almost always a result of an environment that is too hostile for us to thrive in—specifically, poorly draining, saturated soil. In these anaerobic conditions, our roots suffocate, die, and become easy targets for these opportunistic pathogens. You will notice our above-ground growth yellowing, wilting, and collapsing despite wet soil, and our bulbs will become soft and mushy. The solution is cultural: plant us in raised beds or amend heavy clay soils with generous amounts of organic matter like compost or peat moss to drastically improve drainage. Avoid overwatering, especially during dormant periods.
