Troubleshooting
Spider Iris problems — and how to fix them
Spider Iris (Ferraria crispa) 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.
Summer corm rot
The most common failure: watering or damp compost during the summer dormancy causes the corm to rot. Store dry in the pot or lift and keep in dry sand from late spring until new shoot tips appear in early autumn.
Failure to flower in low light
Plants placed in inadequate light during the winter growing season produce leafy growth but no blooms. A south-facing glasshouse spot or supplemental grow-light in dark winters is needed.
Prevent spider iris problems before they start
Most spider iris issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Spider Iris problems — FAQ
Why is my spider iris summer corm rot?
The most common failure: watering or damp compost during the summer dormancy causes the corm to rot. Store dry in the pot or lift and keep in dry sand from late spring until new shoot tips appear in early autumn.
Why is my spider iris failure to flower in low light?
Plants placed in inadequate light during the winter growing season produce leafy growth but no blooms. A south-facing glasshouse spot or supplemental grow-light in dark winters is needed.