Diagnosis help, please!

9 years ago

All my bulbs are growing in the same conditions, but this one never thrived like the others. I reported it 2 weeks ago in hopes that a better draining medium would help it. I am seeing a slight change in bulb color. To me it just seems to be languishing. I have taken it out of the pot and I see new root growth. The bulb has a sickly color and a dark spot. The dark spot seems layers below the surface. The bulb does not feel mushy. I am not feeling rot on the surface or see any on the basal plate. When it broke dormancy, there was some yellowing on the 3, 4, 5, leaf. I cut those leaves and thought perhaps with good care and summer temps it would bounce back. What should I do? Dry it out...let the roots and leaves dry and then treat with fungicides and antibacterial and then just dry dormancy it for the next several months? Of course I would like to save it if I can. Thank you for any suggestion on a course of action.

Featured Answer

pterodroma

9 years ago

I've found that the best thing to do with hippeastrums is to leave them be unless there is a critical need to intervene. Disturbing their roots is always a major setback to the plants.

The dark spot looks like a dead layer beneath a live one, which sometimes happens. They seem to gradually come to the surface without too many issues.

the red Color looks like a standard response to increased light exposure. Perhaps you peeled away the tunic there?

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Comments (6)

lokai99
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the input. I am still learning about best care methods. There is a lot of trial and error. I have a tendency to want to jump in and solve a perceived problem.
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catsandhippies
9 years ago
Hi Joey,

as pterodroma said your bulb looks quite healthy, just let it grow. To be on the safe side I would plant it with the dark spot above the surface and water only from the bottom as I do with all my bulbs. And don't worry :-)

Anja
lokai99
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Anja and pterodroma :)

I feel a lot better. I did plant it and keept the sot well above the soil line. I added more perlite and some fired clay bally on top for a little extra drainage in that area

I'm a fixer..... and patience is something this interest will help me with I am sure.

Thanks for your help! :) :)
lokai99
Original Author
9 years ago
* kept the spot
Fred Biasella
9 years ago
HI Joey,

I think I'm afflicted with the same "fixer" attitude :-))) I have to start listening to Mother Nature and let her do the fixin' unless it's something to do with pests, then I'll get involved.

Fred