Troubleshooting
Slim-leaved Biarum problems — and how to fix them
Slim-leaved Biarum (Biarum tenuifolium) 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.
Tuber rot
The most common failure; caused by any moisture reaching the dormant tuber in summer. Grow in very free-draining medium and ensure no overhead watering from May to August.
Failure to flower
Usually a result of insufficient summer heat and drought; in cool or damp UK summers, growing in a clay pot in an alpine house and baking the pot dry on a south-facing bench greatly improves flower production.
Prevent slim-leaved biarum problems before they start
Most slim-leaved biarum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Slim-leaved Biarum problems — FAQ
Why is my slim-leaved biarum tuber rot?
The most common failure; caused by any moisture reaching the dormant tuber in summer. Grow in very free-draining medium and ensure no overhead watering from May to August.
Why is my slim-leaved biarum failure to flower?
Usually a result of insufficient summer heat and drought; in cool or damp UK summers, growing in a clay pot in an alpine house and baking the pot dry on a south-facing bench greatly improves flower production.