What's eating my white freesia?

White Freesia (Freesia alba) is targeted primarily by aphids and spider mites outdoors, plus thrips that distort blooms. Slugs and snails damage foliage at soil level. In warm climates, bulb mites attack corms in storage and in the ground. Inspect new growth and blooms regularly for early signs.

Clusters of soft insects on stems and buds cause distorted, sticky growth with honeydew residue and sooty mold Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to persistent infestations

Silvery streaks or flecking on petals and leaves; flowers fail to open properly or show brown edges Remove and destroy affected blooms; use sticky yellow traps; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap

Ragged irregular holes in leaves and stems, particularly near soil level; slime trails visible at night Apply iron phosphate pellets around plants; hand-pick at night; use copper tape around containers

Corms become soft and rotten at the base; plants emerge weakly or fail to sprout; white powdery mites visible on stored corms Discard damaged corms; dust stored corms with sulfur; avoid planting in waterlogged soil