Troubleshooting
Two-toned Pineapple Lily problems — and how to fix them
Two-toned Pineapple Lily (Eucomis bicolor) 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.
Winter bulb rot
The most common cause of loss; lift bulbs after the first frost in cold climates, dry them off, and store frost-free in dry compost until spring.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Affects spent flower parts in cool, damp conditions; remove dead flowers promptly and improve ventilation.
Slugs
Eat emerging leaves and flower buds; protect with organic pellets or a copper barrier.
Aphids
Can colonise flower spikes; treat with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.
Fading purple colouration
Insufficient sun reduces the characteristic purple pigmentation; move to a sunnier position.
Prevent two-toned pineapple lily problems before they start
Most two-toned pineapple lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Two-toned Pineapple Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my two-toned pineapple lily winter bulb rot?
The most common cause of loss; lift bulbs after the first frost in cold climates, dry them off, and store frost-free in dry compost until spring.
Why is my two-toned pineapple lily botrytis (grey mould)?
Affects spent flower parts in cool, damp conditions; remove dead flowers promptly and improve ventilation.
Why is my two-toned pineapple lily slugs?
Eat emerging leaves and flower buds; protect with organic pellets or a copper barrier.
Why is my two-toned pineapple lily aphids?
Can colonise flower spikes; treat with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.
Why is my two-toned pineapple lily fading purple colouration?
Insufficient sun reduces the characteristic purple pigmentation; move to a sunnier position.