Troubleshooting
Monarch of the East problems — and how to fix them
Monarch of the East (Sauromatum venosum) 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 in storage
Store dormant tubers in dry, cool (5-10°C), frost-free conditions; any moisture causes rot.
Foul odour on flowering
Normal and intentional — the carrion scent attracts fly pollinators; move outdoors during bloom if the smell is offensive.
Leaf collapse
Sudden watering after a dry spell can shock the large leaf; maintain consistent moisture once in leaf.
Spider mites
The large leaf surface is susceptible in dry conditions; increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap.
Poor tuber size increase
Insufficient light or feeding during the growing season; improve both to ensure a bigger bloom next year.
Prevent monarch of the east problems before they start
Most monarch of the east issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Monarch of the East problems — FAQ
Why is my monarch of the east tuber rot in storage?
Store dormant tubers in dry, cool (5-10°C), frost-free conditions; any moisture causes rot.
Why is my monarch of the east foul odour on flowering?
Normal and intentional — the carrion scent attracts fly pollinators; move outdoors during bloom if the smell is offensive.
Why is my monarch of the east leaf collapse?
Sudden watering after a dry spell can shock the large leaf; maintain consistent moisture once in leaf.
Why is my monarch of the east spider mites?
The large leaf surface is susceptible in dry conditions; increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap.
Why is my monarch of the east poor tuber size increase?
Insufficient light or feeding during the growing season; improve both to ensure a bigger bloom next year.