Pest identification
What's eating my gladiolus 'traderhorn'?
Gladiolus thrips (Thrips simplex)
Signs: Streaked, silvery petals; distorted, partially opening flower spikes; damaged corms in winter storage
Control: Dust corms before storage and replanting; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap at the bud stage; remove infested plants
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on stem buds; sticky honeydew; leaves yellowing and curling; potential virus transmission
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaves; faint webbing in hot dry spells; foliage turns bronze or yellow
Control: Increase humidity; use miticide or neem oil spray; avoid water stress, which worsens infestations
Keep gladiolus 'traderhorn' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Gladiolus 'Traderhorn' pests — FAQ
What is eating my gladiolus 'traderhorn'?
'Traderhorn', one of the largest-flowered red gladioli, draws thrips to its bold blooms — this is consistently the most destructive pest across all gladiolus cultivars. Aphids and spider mites can trouble plants in hot, dry summers; slugs target young shoots. Weekly monitoring from planting to lift is essential.
How do I get rid of gladiolus thrips (thrips simplex) on gladiolus 'traderhorn'?
Streaked, silvery petals; distorted, partially opening flower spikes; damaged corms in winter storage Dust corms before storage and replanting; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap at the bud stage; remove infested plants
How do I get rid of aphids on gladiolus 'traderhorn'?
Clusters on stem buds; sticky honeydew; leaves yellowing and curling; potential virus transmission Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
How do I get rid of spider mites on gladiolus 'traderhorn'?
Fine stippling on leaves; faint webbing in hot dry spells; foliage turns bronze or yellow Increase humidity; use miticide or neem oil spray; avoid water stress, which worsens infestations