Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold) of Houseplants

Symptoms

Gray-brown fuzzy mold on dead or dying leaves, flowers, and stems, spreading to healthy tissue in cool, humid, poorly ventilated conditions.

Cause & development

A common cause of flower blight in African Violet and petal blight in Moth Orchid, as well as general leaf/stem rot in stressed houseplants. EPPO code BOTRCI.

Favorable conditions

• •High humidity and poor air circulation
• •Overwatering onto leaves or flowers
• •Dead flowers or leaf debris left on the plant

Management

1. 1Remove spent flowers and dead leaves promptly
2. 2Improve airflow around the plant
3. 3Avoid wetting foliage and flowers when watering
4. 4Increase spacing between crowded plants