Troubleshooting
Nodding Wand Flower problems — and how to fix them
Nodding Wand Flower (Dierama pendulum) 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.
Desiccation of corms when lifted
The corms are never truly dormant and will quickly desiccate and die if lifted and stored dry as one would treat true summer-dormant bulbs. Always leave corms in the ground or in barely moist compost if pot-grown.
Failure to flower after cutting back foliage
Removing healthy green leaves — even old, tatty ones — seriously retards growth and flowering. Remove only the outer brown, dead leaves by gentle tugging; never shear the plant to the ground.
Prevent nodding wand flower problems before they start
Most nodding wand flower issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Nodding Wand Flower problems — FAQ
Why is my nodding wand flower desiccation of corms when lifted?
The corms are never truly dormant and will quickly desiccate and die if lifted and stored dry as one would treat true summer-dormant bulbs. Always leave corms in the ground or in barely moist compost if pot-grown.
Why is my nodding wand flower failure to flower after cutting back foliage?
Removing healthy green leaves — even old, tatty ones — seriously retards growth and flowering. Remove only the outer brown, dead leaves by gentle tugging; never shear the plant to the ground.