Southern Blight of Houseplants
Athelia rolfsii
Houseplants (general)fungal
A hot, humid-weather fungus that girdles stems at the soil line with white, thread-like growth.
Symptoms
White, fan-like fungal growth and small round tan-to-brown sclerotia at the soil line, girdling the stem and causing sudden wilt and collapse.
Cause & development
Also known by its older name Sclerotium rolfsii; a broad-host-range fungus documented on many potted ornamentals. EPPO code SCLORO.
Favorable conditions
- •Warm temperatures with high humidity at the soil surface
- •Mulch or debris resting directly against the stem
- •Dense, crowded plantings
Management
- 1Remove and discard affected plants along with the surrounding potting mix
- 2Keep mulch or debris away from direct stem contact
- 3Improve airflow around the base of plants
- 4Avoid overcrowding pots
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