Pest identification
What's eating my gladiolus callianthus?
Gladiolus thrips (Thrips simplex)
Signs: Silver-white streaks on petals; stippled, papery leaf surfaces; reduced bloom quality on the delicate white flowers
Control: Apply spinosad or neem oil spray; dust corms with insecticide before storage; remove and bin severely affected plants
Aphids
Signs: Distorted shoots; honeydew deposits; sooty mould on foliage; wilting in heavy infestations
Control: Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract predators; remove ants that protect aphid colonies
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in young leaves; chewed-off shoots at ground level in wet conditions
Control: Use ferric phosphate pellets or copper-tape barriers; hand-pick at night; avoid over-watering
Keep gladiolus callianthus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Gladiolus callianthus pests — FAQ
What is eating my gladiolus callianthus?
Gladiolus callianthus (Abyssinian gladiolus) shares pest threats with other gladioli but its fragrant white blooms also attract thrips strongly. Aphids colonise stems, and slugs shred new growth. Corm rot from waterlogging is a significant issue. Thrips are the most damaging insect pest; treat corms and monitor flowers weekly.
How do I get rid of gladiolus thrips (thrips simplex) on gladiolus callianthus?
Silver-white streaks on petals; stippled, papery leaf surfaces; reduced bloom quality on the delicate white flowers Apply spinosad or neem oil spray; dust corms with insecticide before storage; remove and bin severely affected plants
How do I get rid of aphids on gladiolus callianthus?
Distorted shoots; honeydew deposits; sooty mould on foliage; wilting in heavy infestations Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract predators; remove ants that protect aphid colonies
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on gladiolus callianthus?
Ragged holes in young leaves; chewed-off shoots at ground level in wet conditions Use ferric phosphate pellets or copper-tape barriers; hand-pick at night; avoid over-watering