What Is Wrong With My Toad Lily?

Do the leaves have any small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots that are gray to straw in color?

Are the flowers mottled or completely purple?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, sticky to the touch?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper when the first fruit develops if you have had problems in the past.

Tricyrtis floral virus is known to infect toad lilies. This virus causes the flowers to become mottled and then turn completely purple. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all flowers that have the symptoms. Viruses are spread by aphids, so the best way of preventing the disease is to control these insects.

Distorted and sticky leaves and stems are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used only with severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

If the new growth is chewed or eaten whole the culprits maybe rabbits. The plant is not attractive for deer, but rabbits love to dine on the fresh leaves. Use hot pepper wax spray or rabbit repellent.