Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Examine the leaves for holes or slime trails.
- Gently tug on the plant to see if it feels loose in the soil.
- Dig up one bulb to inspect for larvae if growth is stunted.
Likely causes
Narcissus Bulb Fly
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant fails to grow or produces only one weak leaf. If you dig up the bulb, you will find a large, creamy white maggot inside.
What to do: Discard infested bulbs in the trash, not the compost. Firm the soil around the bulbs after planting to make it harder for flies to lay eggs.
Slugs and Snails
PossibleHow to tell: You see irregular holes in the leaves or slimy trails nearby. They usually attack young, tender shoots in early spring.
What to do: Use copper tape around pots or apply organic slug bait. Pick them off by hand in the evening if the infestation is small.
Find out what's wrong with your daffodil
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the bulb is hollowed out by larvae, it will not recover. It is normal to see minor leaf nibbling from slugs that does not affect the overall health of the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the soil surface firm and clear of debris. Avoid planting bulbs in areas where you have previously had bulb fly issues.
Daffodil: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your daffodil and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How do I know if I have bulb fly?
- The main sign is a bulb that feels soft or hollow when squeezed. You will likely see a large maggot inside if you cut the bulb open.
- Are daffodils poisonous to pests?
- Yes, they contain alkaloids that deter many animals like deer and rodents. However, the bulb fly is specifically adapted to feed on them.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Daffodil
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.