Troubleshooting
Lords-and-Ladies problems — and how to fix them
Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum) 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
Caused by waterlogged soil, especially during summer dormancy. Ensure good drainage and allow soil to dry somewhat when leaves die back in early summer.
Vine weevil grubs
Larvae feed on tubers, causing plants to collapse. Apply vine weevil nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in autumn or spring.
Self-seeding nuisance
Berries are spread by birds and plants can naturalise aggressively in suitable conditions. Remove berry-bearing stalks before seeds disperse if spread is unwanted.
Prevent lords-and-ladies problems before they start
Most lords-and-ladies issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lords-and-Ladies problems — FAQ
Why is my lords-and-ladies tuber rot?
Caused by waterlogged soil, especially during summer dormancy. Ensure good drainage and allow soil to dry somewhat when leaves die back in early summer.
Why is my lords-and-ladies vine weevil grubs?
Larvae feed on tubers, causing plants to collapse. Apply vine weevil nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist soil in autumn or spring.
Why is my lords-and-ladies self-seeding nuisance?
Berries are spread by birds and plants can naturalise aggressively in suitable conditions. Remove berry-bearing stalks before seeds disperse if spread is unwanted.