Troubleshooting
Gladiolus 'Traderhorn' problems — and how to fix them
Gladiolus 'Traderhorn' (Gladiolus 'Traderhorn') 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.
Gladiolus thrips
The main pest; causes silvery streaking and flecking on leaves and browning, deformed flowers. Inspect corms in storage and treat or discard infested stock.
Floppy or bent spikes
Tall heavy spikes lean toward light and topple in wind. Stake individually at planting and grow in blocks for mutual support.
Corm rot (Fusarium/Botrytis)
Soft, discoloured corms in storage or stunted growth in the bed result from wet soil or damp curing. Lift, cure dry, dust if needed, and store cool and airy.
Failure to flower
Blind spikes follow too much shade, undersized corms, or thrips damage. Plant largest corms in full sun and feed with potassium.
Prevent gladiolus 'traderhorn' problems before they start
Most gladiolus 'traderhorn' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for gladiolus 'traderhorn' in general rather than its problems? Read the full gladiolus 'traderhorn' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Gladiolus 'Traderhorn' problems — FAQ
Why is my gladiolus 'traderhorn' gladiolus thrips?
The main pest; causes silvery streaking and flecking on leaves and browning, deformed flowers. Inspect corms in storage and treat or discard infested stock.
Why is my gladiolus 'traderhorn' floppy or bent spikes?
Tall heavy spikes lean toward light and topple in wind. Stake individually at planting and grow in blocks for mutual support.
Why is my gladiolus 'traderhorn' corm rot (fusarium/botrytis)?
Soft, discoloured corms in storage or stunted growth in the bed result from wet soil or damp curing. Lift, cure dry, dust if needed, and store cool and airy.
Why is my gladiolus 'traderhorn' failure to flower?
Blind spikes follow too much shade, undersized corms, or thrips damage. Plant largest corms in full sun and feed with potassium.