How to revive sick potted Kangaroo Paw?

Nailbag

We have two Kangaroo Paws that are about 5mths old that have been potted with a native potting mix. They get regular sun and watered as needed. The orange one is super healthy but the burgundy one until a few weeks ago is now in bad shape. It looks to have a blackish fungus on the stalks and black spotted leaves. 

Can you please shed any light on what's been the cause, what the issue is and how we could treat it?

Thanks.

Nailbag

This is the healthy one 2m away

MitchellMc

Hi @Nailbag,

Are both of those pots draining well? Consider raising them on feet to ensure the drainage holes are not blocked. Perhaps the one that isn't looking so good has a partially blocked drainage hole. Ensure water freeflows through the soil and out the hole as Kangaroo paws do not like wet feet.

It appears that your plant could be suffering from black ink spot disease or root rot. Water at the base of the plant and not the leaves and only water to prevent the soil from drying out entirely. Fungicide can be used to treat ink spot, but avoid overwatering.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell