What's eating my chincherinchee?

Chincherinchee (Ornithogalum thyrsoides) is a South African tender bulb often grown in pots or as a cut flower. Aphids are the most common pest, massing on stems and buds. Bulb mites can rot stored bulbs. Slugs and snails damage foliage when grown outdoors. Thrips may cause silvery streaking on petals in warm, dry conditions.

Dense colonies on flower stems and buds; sticky honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted flowers Apply insecticidal soap spray or neem oil; blast off with water; introduce or encourage aphid predators such as ladybirds

Holes in leaves and flower stem bases; silvery slime trails especially on outdoor plantings Iron phosphate pellets around base; sharp grit mulch; hand-pick at night during warm, wet weather

Corky, brown patches on stored bulbs; weak or absent growth after planting; roots poorly developed Inspect and reject any soft bulbs before planting; store in dry, cool, well-ventilated conditions; do not plant in waterlogged soil

Silvery-white streaking and flecking on petals and leaves; distorted buds; tiny insects visible on close inspection Use sticky yellow traps; apply insecticidal soap or spinosad-based spray; ensure good air circulation around plants