Troubleshooting
Afghan Iris problems — and how to fix them
Afghan Iris (Iris cycloglossa) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bulb failure during wet dormancy
Summer and autumn rainfall is the most common cause of bulb loss outside Mediterranean or continental climates. Lift bulbs after foliage yellows, dry at room temperature, and store in dry sand or vermiculite until autumn replanting.
Fleshy root damage at planting
The storage roots radiate outward and are extremely brittle; snapping them at planting significantly reduces the plant's vigour or prevents flowering entirely. Handle bulbs as if they were eggs and plant in a wide hole.
Prevent afghan iris problems before they start
Most afghan iris issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Afghan Iris problems — FAQ
Why is my afghan iris bulb failure during wet dormancy?
Summer and autumn rainfall is the most common cause of bulb loss outside Mediterranean or continental climates. Lift bulbs after foliage yellows, dry at room temperature, and store in dry sand or vermiculite until autumn replanting.
Why is my afghan iris fleshy root damage at planting?
The storage roots radiate outward and are extremely brittle; snapping them at planting significantly reduces the plant's vigour or prevents flowering entirely. Handle bulbs as if they were eggs and plant in a wide hole.