Home/Plants/Freesia/Botrytis Blight
coronavirus

Botrytis Blight in Freesia

How to identify and treat botrytis blight in Freesia.

potted_plant

Freesia care requirements

water
Moderate; water during active growth and blooming; reduce water after flowering; keep mostly dry during dormancy
soil
Well-draining sandy loam; light, gritty soil prevents corm rot; add sand or perlite to heavy soils
light
Full sun (6+ hours daily); bright light ensures strong blooms and better scent
symptoms

Symptoms to look for in Freesia

  • 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 Freesia

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 Freesia

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 Freesia

Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.