⚠ ModerateBotrytis colonises soft, damaged, or dying tissue first, covering it in a dusty grey sporulation that spreads in clouds — thriving in cool, humid, stagnant air.
Botrytis Grey Mould on Soft Tissue
Commonly affects: Begonia, Anthurium flowers, Philodendron spp., Spathiphyllum wallisii
A fuzzy grey-brown mould develops on soft, damaged, or senescing tissue — wilting flowers, wounded leaves, and decaying lower foliage. Affected tissue first becomes water-soaked and brown, then is rapidly covered in the characteristic dusty grey sporulation. Spores release in visible clouds when disturbed and spread readily in cool, humid, still air.
Potential Causes
- 1Cool temperatures combined with high humidity and stagnant air
- 2Dead, dying, or damaged tissue providing the entry point Botrytis prefers
- 3Water sitting on leaves and flowers from overhead watering or condensation
- 4Overcrowded plants with poor air circulation trapping moist air
Solution Steps
- 1Remove and bag all mouldy and dead tissue gently to avoid releasing spore clouds, cutting back to healthy growth.
- 2Improve air circulation immediately with a fan and increase spacing between plants.
- 3Lower humidity around the plant and ensure foliage dries quickly after watering.
- 4Water only at the base and remove spent flowers and fallen debris promptly.
- 5Apply a suitable fungicide to remaining tissue if the infection is spreading despite cultural changes.
- 6Quarantine the plant until no new grey sporulation appears.
Prevention Tip
Botrytis lives on dead and damaged tissue, so prompt removal of spent flowers, fallen leaves, and any wounds denies it a foothold. Good airflow and dry foliage in cool, humid conditions are the most reliable preventives.
Related Issues to Explore
Stem & Crown Rot — Botrytis & Fusarium spp.
Botrytis grey mould can advance into stems and crowns — controlling it on foliage and flowers early prevents the more serious basal rot.
Read guide
Powdery Mildew — Erysiphe & Golovinomyces spp.
Both surface moulds favour humid, crowded conditions — grey, fuzzy Botrytis on dying tissue contrasts with the white, dry coating of powdery mildew.
Read guide
Poor Airflow — Weak Stems & Disease Pressure
Stagnant air is the common enabler of Botrytis and many other diseases — improving circulation is a shared preventive measure.
Read guide
