Amaryllis Red Blotch

by Gail Anderson IGC Horticulturist

A disappointing number of amaryllis bulbs that I and friends have purchased have been infected with a fungal disease called “red blotch” or “leaf scorch.” Here’s a description from the University of Florida Extension:

“Red spots appear on the flower stalks and leaves and enlarge, elongate and become sunken. Infected leaves and flower stems are characteristically deformed or bent at the point of attack. The flower stalks of heavily infested plants may break over at an infected area or wither and dry up before the flowers are produced. The fungus and spores of red blotch are carried on the bulbs. Consequently, the leaves and flower stalks which push up from infected bulbs may become diseased…Keep in mind that any injury to amaryllis tissue usually produces a red pigment, so red streaks, specks or irregular patterns are not always indicative of red blotch, which usually shows definite margins and outlines.”

If the buds of your amaryllis become twisted, marked with red, and fail to bloom, most likely your bulb has the disease. Experts disagree on whether to treat the bulb or to discard it. My temptation would be to discard it (in the trash, not compost). The recommended fungicide is supposedly difficult to obtain. One home remedy suggests that you “Dig up the bulbs, remove excess soil and soak them for 30 minutes in water kept at a constant temperature of 104-114°F (40-46°C),” but how do you keep that even temperature?

I recently planted a new bulb that seemed to be infected. I removed all loose infected looking skin and soaked the bulb in a 10% bleach solution. Don’t know yet if this will help. What a shame!!!!!