water iris

Question
hello i was just wondering if you could help me in the last few weeks all the leaves have fallen of my water iris and the base where the leaf was has gone all soft and it seems like theres a milky substance is coming from it i have also noticed that the roots are going like a blood red colour

Answer
I'm sorry about your iris.  I'm not all that familiar with all the diseases that may befall an iris.  I know there are insect pests and funguses.  My iris have gotten these bugs in the stems that turn them mushy with holes.  You may have the same thing.  I've never identified the exact species nor have I lost a lot of iris as a result.  I'm not sure what treatment would be most effective.  I never treated mine, and I never use chemical pesticides.  If you want to spray them with a pesticide, you must do so outside of the pond and keep them there for a while so as not to poison the entire pond.  If we knew the exact species, then there may be a natural predator or bacteria that would work against this iris borer or whatever it is.  I'm sorry that I was not up to speed on this problem to help you.  Good luck!

Robyn
fishpondinfo.com