Troubleshooting
Angel's Tears Narcissus problems — and how to fix them
Angel's Tears Narcissus (Narcissus triandrus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Poor drainage causing bulb rot
N. triandrus is particularly intolerant of wet winter soils. Bulbs develop soft, brown rot (Fusarium) in heavy or waterlogged ground. Plant on slopes, in raised beds, or in gravel gardens to ensure rapid drainage around the bulbs.
Failure to establish in heavy clay
Plants often fail to return in subsequent seasons in clay soils, even if they flower in the first year. Always amend planting spots heavily with coarse grit and incorporate organic matter to open up structure before planting.
Narcissus fly
The large narcissus fly (Merodon equestris) lays eggs near emerging shoots; larvae hollow out bulbs. Cover planted areas with fine mesh immediately after shoots emerge in late winter to prevent egg-laying.
Prevent angel's tears narcissus problems before they start
Most angel's tears narcissus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common angel's tears daffodil problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Angel's Tears Narcissus watering schedule
- Angel's Tears Narcissus light requirements
- Best soil mix for angel's tears narcissus
- Angel's Tears Narcissus temperature & humidity
- Full angel's tears narcissus care guide
Looking for angel's tears narcissus in general rather than its problems? Read the full angel's tears narcissus care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Angel's Tears Narcissus problems — FAQ
Why is my angel's tears narcissus poor drainage causing bulb rot?
N. triandrus is particularly intolerant of wet winter soils. Bulbs develop soft, brown rot (Fusarium) in heavy or waterlogged ground. Plant on slopes, in raised beds, or in gravel gardens to ensure rapid drainage around the bulbs.
Why is my angel's tears narcissus failure to establish in heavy clay?
Plants often fail to return in subsequent seasons in clay soils, even if they flower in the first year. Always amend planting spots heavily with coarse grit and incorporate organic matter to open up structure before planting.
Why is my angel's tears narcissus narcissus fly?
The large narcissus fly (Merodon equestris) lays eggs near emerging shoots; larvae hollow out bulbs. Cover planted areas with fine mesh immediately after shoots emerge in late winter to prevent egg-laying.