Treatment of bulbous plant diseases
This article provides a detailed introduction to the experience of dealing with diseases in bulbous flowers. Let's continue with the introduction by the editor.
Bulbous plants, due to improper storage, long-distance sealed transportation during import, the negligence of merchants, and incorrect soil mixture, are mainly caused by these reasons. This leads to fungal growth causing mildew or bacterial infection causing rot, which are common.
Newly purchased bulbs often suffer from a多发 type of rotting disease, which we call "red rot." Initially, it appears red, then turns brown when severe, and finally black or dark brown when it ulcerates.
I. Disinfection
Most vendors recommend soaking the bulbs in fungicides such as "Multicillin," "Thiabendazole," "Mancozeb," etc., after receiving them. However, this method is not very effective as these drugs are often counterfeit, expired, or many flower enthusiasts are unaware that these drugs have an expiration date. Moreover, these drugs can only prevent diseases, not cure them.
I recommend a traditional and effective medicine that is affordable and safe to use: potassium permanganate.
One gram dissolved in water turns deep purple. Clean the diseased bulbs and thoroughly remove the rotting parts. This is necessary. The cleaning process is complete when there is no longer sticky juice on the surface of the bulb. (Note: This concentration of potassium permanganate should not be used for soaking, as it can directly kill the bulbs.)
Change the water, dissolve one gram of potassium permanganate in water to a light purple color, and immerse the bulbs above the water. Soak until the water changes from bright purple to turbid red, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Then rinse the bulbs with clean water, dry them, and the treatment is complete. This method has been proven to have a low recurrence rate and good results over the years. When drying the bulbs, keep the leaf part downward to drain water deep into the leaf layers and prevent rot.
The discarded water can be used to water potted plants without causing harm and no adverse reactions have been observed. (I thought about it because of a flower enthusiast's question. The concentration of potassium permanganate is directly proportional to the soaking time. Incorrect concentration or too long soaking time can lead to extreme consequences. I think it's necessary to modify and specifically remind that if you don't have experience, soaking for no more than 5 minutes is recommended. The red color in the photos is the color after the water becomes deeper and turns red, not the color after soaking in dark purple potassium permanganate.) This point is very important!
II. Soil Usage
Now let's talk about soil usage. It is not recommended to mix organic fertilizers like chicken manure in the soil. If used, they should be placed at the bottom of the flowerpot as a base fertilizer to avoid contact between organic fertilizers and the bulbs, as secondary fermentation can promote bacterial growth, which is harmful.
Initially, bulbs can be planted shallowly, leaving some height in the pot for adding soil later. The benefit of shallow planting is that it prevents the wounded part of the bulb from contacting the soil, reducing the chance of recurrence. Avoid high temperature and humidity environments. The top layer of the soil can be covered with pure sand (3 to 5 cm). Sand is a relatively clean medium and least likely to promote bacterial growth. Once the roots are established and the bulb is strong with some resistance, everything will be fine. It is also recommended to use pure sand as a covering layer when adding soil later.
When it is necessary to store bulbs bare, avoid placing them in a high-temperature, high-humidity, and poorly ventilated environment. They should be disinfected before storage and then placed in a well-ventilated and dry area.
When cleaning diseased bulbs, don't peel them excessively. It's unnecessary; just remove the affected area. Keep as much as possible. The entire process is recommended to be done by hand, as tools are not easy to use. Human fingers are very dexterous and capable of handling this task.
This method is suitable for bulbs that are prone to rot, such as Hippeastrum, and for bulbs that are prone to mildew, such as narcissus and saffron.
The above introduction to the treatment of diseases in bulbous plants ( illustrations) aims to provide you with assistance. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and knowledge!