Our crinum lily is getting red spots on the leaves, and then the leaves turn yellow. What is the cause and a cure?
This not-so-attractive look is called red blotch, a fungal disease that attacks crinums and amaryllis foliage. When the spots grow large and humerous, leaves yellow and decline. You never really eliminate the disease, but you can keep it under control. Start by trimming the severely affected foliage to reduce the spread of fungal spores. This may be the only control needed to prevent rapid reinfection. If needed, a fungicide of Thiomyl or Halts Systemic Fungicide also can be applied. At best, the disease is prevented in the drier months, but new infections can be expected when the rains return.
