How to Get Rid of Fungus on African Corn Lily Flowers

As a gardener and plant enthusiast, I love growing beautiful flowers like the African corn lily (Ixia species) Their colorful blooms really brighten up any garden However, these flowers can sometimes suffer from fungal diseases that damage the flowers and leaves. If you notice fungus on your African corn lilies, don’t panic! With some simple treatment methods, you can get rid of the fungus and restore the health of your plants.

In this article, I’ll explain what causes fungus on African corn lilies and how to identify it. I’ll then provide my top tips for treating and preventing fungal diseases to keep your corn lilies looking their best. Whether you’re battling powdery mildew, botrytis, rust or another common flower fungus, this guide will help you fight back.

What Causes Fungus on African Corn Lilies?

Several different types of fungi can infect African corn lilies, especially when conditions are damp and humid. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Powdery mildew – This fungus covers leaves and flowers in a white, powdery coating. It thrives in humid conditions.

• Botrytis – Also called gray mold, this fungus creates fuzzy gray spots on flowers, leaves and stems. Poor air circulation promotes its growth.

• Rust – Rust fungi cause small dusty reddish-orange spots on leaves and stems. Crowded plantings are prone to rust.

• Southern blight – This soil-borne fungus attacks roots and stems at soil level, causing wilting. It spreads in warm, wet conditions.

While fungus spores are always present in the environment, factors like poor air flow, crowded plantings, excessive moisture and inadequate sunlight can allow fungi to get a foothold and infect your plants. Insects, garden debris and contaminated garden tools can also spread fungal diseases.

How to Identify Fungus on African Corn Lilies

To treat fungal diseases, you first need to identify them properly. Here’s what to look for:

Powdery mildew – White powdery coating over leaves and flowers, sometimes with black dots mixed in. Often starts on upper leaf surfaces.

Botrytis – Fluffy gray fungus on flowers, leaves, stems. Damaged tissues are light brown. Flowers rot.

Rust – Small raised orange, brown or black spots on leaves and stems. Underside of spots may have dusty orange spores.

Southern blight – Sudden yellowing and wilting of foliage. White fungal growth may be visible on lower stems near soil.

Carefully inspect the affected plants to pinpoint which fungus is present. Look at all plant parts – leaves, stems, flowers and roots. This will help you choose the most effective treatment.

How to Treat Fungus on African Corn Lilies

Once you’ve identified the type of fungus affecting your African corn lilies, you can start treatment. Here are some effective organic and natural methods to get rid of the fungus and restore plant health:

Remove Infected Plant Parts

Prune off any leaves, stems or flowers that are badly infected. This prevents fungus from spreading further. Dispose of the infected parts – do not compost them. Sterilize pruners between each cut with rubbing alcohol to avoid cross-contamination.

Improve Air Circulation

Fungi thrive in stagnant, humid air. Improve drainage and air flow by spacing plants properly, thinning crowded areas and pruning excess foliage. Allow space between plants for air to circulate.

Apply Neem Oil

Pure neem oil is an organic fungicide that helps control many common garden fungi. It interferes with fungal reproduction and growth. Mix neem oil as directed and spray all plant parts thoroughly. Repeat every 7-14 days as needed.

Use Baking Soda Spray

Baking soda has natural antifungal abilities. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 quart water. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil soap. Apply liberally to infected plants every 7-10 days. The soap helps the spray stick and penetrate.

Treat with Milk Spray

Believe it or not, plain milk makes an effective anti-fungal spray. The proteins in milk inhibit fungus growth. Add 1 part milk to 9 parts water and spray plants. Reapply every 10-14 days.

Apply Sulfur Powder

Sulfur powder is a safe, natural fungicide. Lightly dust sulfur powder onto affected leaves and flowers. Reapply after rain or overhead watering. Use sulfur with caution in hot weather, as it may burn tender plant tissues.

Disinfect Tools and Surfaces

After trimming infected plants, thoroughly clean tools, pots, greenhouse surfaces etc with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). This prevents fungi spreading to healthy plants.

Grow Resistant Varieties

Look for African corn lily hybrids bred to be resistant to common fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Plant resistant varieties to avoid problems in the first place. ‘Starburst’ and ‘Novia’ are two resistant choices.

With persistence and proper treatment, you can get fungal outbreaks under control. Be sure to treat promptly before fungi have a chance to establish and spread. Follow good cultural practices and boost air circulation to keep African corn lilies healthy and vigorous.

How to Prevent Fungus on African Corn Lilies

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to fungal diseases on flowers and plants. Here are some handy tips to avoid fungus problems with your African corn lilies:

• Space plants properly to allow air to circulate freely.

• Avoid wetting foliage when watering. Water at soil level.

• Apply mulch to prevent soil splashing onto leaves and flowers.

• Prune plants to improve air flow and reduce humidity levels.

• Scout plants frequently and remove any diseased parts promptly.

• Disinfect tools between plants to avoid spreading fungi.

• Avoid overhead watering late in the day – allow plants time to dry out before nightfall.

• Don’t work around plants when they are wet, as fungi can spread on wet leaves.

• Clean up fallen leaves and petals to eliminate sources of fungus.

• Avoid planting corn lilies in the same spot each year. Rotate plantings.

• Test soil nutrients and adjust as needed to keep plants healthy.

• Control insect pests, as they can spread fungal spores between plants.

With proper spacing, air flow, irrigation practices and general cleanliness in the garden, you can prevent fungal invasion before it takes hold. Healthy, vigorous plants are also better able to resist diseases. Give your African corn lilies the growing conditions they love for optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fungus on African Corn Lilies

Here are answers to some common questions about fungal diseases of African corn lilies:

What causes powdery mildew on African corn lilies?

Powdery mildew thrives in humid, shady areas with poor air circulation. Overcrowded plantings and dense foliage create the perfect environment for it to grow.

What does rust fungus look like on corn lily leaves?

Rust fungus causes small dusty yellowish spots on leaves that later turn orange or reddish-brown. On leaf undersides, matching orange spore pustules may be visible.

Is botrytis dangerous to African corn lilies?

Yes, botrytis fungus can quickly damage flowers and spread to infect stems and leaves. It causes flower buds to rot and die. Prompt treatment is needed to save plants.

Can I cut back corn lilies infected with southern blight?

Removing severely infected parts may help slow southern blight. But since it affects the roots, this fungus is very difficult to eradicate.

How often should I spray milk mixture on fungus-infected corn lilies?

Reapply milk spray to African corn lilies every 7-10 days. The proteins in milk inhibit further fungus growth but don’t kill established infections.

Are African corn lilies susceptible to verticillium wilt fungus?

Verticillium wilt is not a common or severe disease problem on African corn lilies. They are far more prone to powdery mildew, rust and botrytis.

With the right treatment products, cultural practices and preventive care, you can keep fungal diseases at bay and maintain gorgeous, healthy African corn lilies. Pay close attention for any signs of infection and be prepared to take action quickly. Stop fungi in their tracks before they damage your beautiful flowers. Let those corn lilies shine bright in your garden!