potted_plant
Sparaxis care requirements
water
Moderate; water during active growth and blooming; allow to dry slightly between waterings; reduce after flowering
soil
Well-draining sandy loam; light, gritty soil essential; add coarse sand or perlite to clay soils to prevent waterlogging
light
Full sun (6+ hours daily); bright light ensures prolific flowering and vivid colors
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Sparaxis
- 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 Sparaxis
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 Sparaxis
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 Sparaxis
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.