Why are there gray spots on my Snakes head fritillary?

Check these first

1. Touch the spots to see if they feel fuzzy or moldy.
2. Check if the plant is crowded by other vegetation.
3. Look at the soil to see if it is staying too wet.

Likely causes

1. Botrytis blight

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see gray, fuzzy mold patches on the stems or leaves. The affected areas may eventually turn brown and collapse.

   What to do: Immediately prune away and destroy all infected parts of the plant. Ensure the remaining foliage has plenty of space and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.

2. Water splashing

   Possible

   How to tell: Small brown or gray spots appear on the lower leaves after heavy rain or watering. The spots do not have a fuzzy texture.

   What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than over the top. Add a layer of mulch around the base to prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves.

When to worry

If the gray mold spreads to the main stem, the plant is in serious trouble. Remove the entire plant if the infection reaches the base to save your other bulbs.

Stopping it coming back

Space your bulbs at least 4 to 6 inches apart to encourage airflow. Always water the soil directly and keep the foliage as dry as possible.

Questions people ask

Is this fungus contagious to other plants?

Yes, Botrytis spores spread easily through the air and water. Keep infected plants isolated or remove them entirely to protect your garden.

Should I throw away the bulb?

If the infection is just on the leaves, the bulb might be fine. If the stem is mushy near the soil line, the bulb is likely rotting and should be discarded.

More problems with Snakes head fritillary

• Why are there red beetles on my Snakes head fritillary?
• Why is my Snakes head fritillary not blooming?