Troubleshooting
Cretan Arum problems — and how to fix them
Cretan Arum (Arum creticum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Tuber rot from summer moisture
Any moisture reaching the tuber during summer dormancy rapidly causes rot. Grow in a raised bed, under an overhang, or lift tubers and store dry in a paper bag in a cool shed.
Slug and snail damage
Emerging autumn foliage is attractive to slugs and snails. Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging shoots; inspect regularly in damp autumn weather.
Frost damage to emerging leaves
Leaves emerge in autumn and can be caught by early hard frosts in colder gardens. Protect with a dry cloche or fleece during sharp frosts below -5°C; the tuber itself usually survives.
Prevent cretan arum problems before they start
Most cretan arum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cretan Arum problems — FAQ
Why is my cretan arum tuber rot from summer moisture?
Any moisture reaching the tuber during summer dormancy rapidly causes rot. Grow in a raised bed, under an overhang, or lift tubers and store dry in a paper bag in a cool shed.
Why is my cretan arum slug and snail damage?
Emerging autumn foliage is attractive to slugs and snails. Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging shoots; inspect regularly in damp autumn weather.
Why is my cretan arum frost damage to emerging leaves?
Leaves emerge in autumn and can be caught by early hard frosts in colder gardens. Protect with a dry cloche or fleece during sharp frosts below -5°C; the tuber itself usually survives.