potted_plant
Gunnera care requirements
water
High moisture requirement; keep soil consistently wet or boggy. Plant beside water features or in low-lying areas
soil
Rich, moisture-retentive soil with high organic matter content; thrives in boggy conditions
light
Partial shade to dappled sunlight; protection from harsh afternoon sun prevents leaf scorching
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Gunnera
- 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 Gunnera
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 Gunnera
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 Gunnera
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.