Bart: Growing apples in or out of bags is a game of percentages. Even in bags, a small percentage of apples will have problems like this, or something else. I don't know how or why it starts on a few apples and not on others, but as long as it is not widespread I take off the apple, toss it on the compost pile, and install the bag on another needy apple. If you have a whole tree full of apples like this, that is a problem. It may be that earlier, softer apples like Ginger Gold are more susceptible to this kind of injury when grown in bags. I don't see it much on the later varieties. But if the alternative is to stop using bags because of a couple rotten apples, I don't consider that practical. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Hi Anna! I wrote "Only bottom water" for the sick treated bulbs. Just so that the wounds would heal good and that the STAG do not develop/spread further. I just hosed down my hippies today as we have had no rain for 3 days now. And the hippies LOVE these on hot weather and keeps the mites away too. LOL!!! The thing is to keep a watchful eye. Once I see a red spot or two, I seperate them, far away from the rest and treat them ASAP before it spreads. I usually bring them inside my garage. It's my ICU. It is best to catch it at the earliest stage if ever as treatment is easier. If you don't see any signs, then they are fine. After growing hippies for so many years now, I have developed this beliefs. I will try to give them the best growing conditions I can give them that I can afford. I can ONLY do so much. Nature will have it's way no matter what. If a Hippie gets sick or dies, it did not die in vain as it has taught me a lesson well learned. (Remember these words Frank?) Hippies are very strong plants. If their leaves get sick, they have "life" stored in their bulbs. Their bulbs are developed as a "defense system"...layer upon layer of scales protecting it's heart (core). If both leaves and bulb get sick, it still holds it's lifeline...the basal plate and roots. Don't worry too much Anna. Unless you're going through PMS like I am. Then I totally understand how you feel. LOL!!! Ahhhhh...fall is just around the corner. I can't wait till the Hippies are put to rest. I AM tired and would love to have some rest too! Happy gardening to all! And hope 2009 season will be a Stag free one. Yeah right! This is almost impossible with all these stag infested bulbs they are selling us.

Unfortunately your drawing comes out rather tiny, so it is sort of hard to say. My guess would be E. resinifera, although the purple markings kind of confuse me. Maybe E. resinifera with some sunburn or other kind of damage making the purple lines?

I would not use dish soap on plants. Many ppl do, and it is widely recommended, but only soap safe for plants is plant based, like Castile soap. If fungus, and you want to tray home-made spray, make it from cinnamon powder diluted in some hot water. Let stand overnight, shaking it couple of times. Strain thru some cheesecloth, dilute with water and spray. This could be made using rubbing alcohol instead of water too (do not heat the alcohol). And the plant will smell nice too :) If mealy bugs, dip the q-tip in rubbing alcohol and wipe them off. Maybe you should try this to see if it comes off. If mealy bugs, whole plant may have to be sprayed since they like to hide and are sometimes hard to see. This treatment could be repeated if necessary, and while spraying the plant (with any spray) - keep it out of sunlight.