potted_plant
Dicentra care requirements
water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during spring and early summer, then reduce after blooming as plant enters dormancy.
soil
Rich, humus-dense, well-draining soil amended with leaf mold or compost. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
light
Partial shade to dappled sunlight (2–4 hours); protect from hot afternoon sun.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Dicentra
- fiber_manual_recordFuzzy grey-brown mould on flowers, leaves, or stems
- fiber_manual_recordWater-soaked spots that turn brown and mushy
- fiber_manual_recordBlighted flower buds that fail to open
help
Common causes in Dicentra
Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), which thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, often spreading rapidly on damaged or ageing plant tissue.
healing
How to treat botrytis blight in Dicentra
Remove and destroy all affected plant material immediately, improve airflow around the plant, and apply a fungicide labelled for Botrytis if the infection is spreading.
shield
Preventing botrytis blight in Dicentra
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.