Troubleshooting
Glory of the Sun problems — and how to fix them
Glory of the Sun (Leucocoryne ixioides) 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.
Bulb rot in cool, damp conditions
The most frequent cause of failure, especially in the UK. Bulbs collapse from fungal or bacterial rot if exposed to any moisture during summer dormancy. Lift bulbs every year after foliage dies, dry thoroughly in a warm, airy spot for several weeks, then store in dry compost or paper bags until autumn. Growing permanently in pots makes lifting straightforward.
Pale, washed-out flowers in low light
Flower colour (particularly the lavender-blue shades) fades significantly in insufficient light. Ensure the plant receives maximum winter and spring sun. In a cool greenhouse, position bulbs in pots at the highest, sunniest point of the structure.
Aphids on flower stems
Aphids infest the slender stems and buds during spring growth, distorting flowers. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at the first sign of infestation. In greenhouse culture, introduce biological controls such as Aphidius colemani parasitic wasps.
Prevent glory of the sun problems before they start
Most glory of the sun issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Glory of the Sun problems — FAQ
Why is my glory of the sun bulb rot in cool, damp conditions?
The most frequent cause of failure, especially in the UK. Bulbs collapse from fungal or bacterial rot if exposed to any moisture during summer dormancy. Lift bulbs every year after foliage dies, dry thoroughly in a warm, airy spot for several weeks, then store in dry compost or paper bags until autumn. Growing permanently in pots makes lifting straightforward.
Why is my glory of the sun pale, washed-out flowers in low light?
Flower colour (particularly the lavender-blue shades) fades significantly in insufficient light. Ensure the plant receives maximum winter and spring sun. In a cool greenhouse, position bulbs in pots at the highest, sunniest point of the structure.
Why is my glory of the sun aphids on flower stems?
Aphids infest the slender stems and buds during spring growth, distorting flowers. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray at the first sign of infestation. In greenhouse culture, introduce biological controls such as Aphidius colemani parasitic wasps.