potted_plant
Gladiolus care requirements
water
Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist during growing season but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering after flowering
soil
Well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)
light
Full sun; requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and strong stem development
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Gladiolus
- 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 Gladiolus
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 Gladiolus
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 Gladiolus
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.