Troubleshooting
Roxburgh's Typhonium problems — and how to fix them
Roxburgh's Typhonium (Typhonium roxburghii) 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 winter
Leaving tubers in wet soil over the dormant period causes rot. Ensure the compost is dry from leaf die-back until spring re-emergence, or lift and store tubers in dry sand or paper bags.
Weak or absent foliage
Very small tubers or those depleted by excessive division may only produce one small leaf per season. Allow tubers to grow undisturbed for 2–3 years to build reserves.
Unpleasant inflorescence odour
The spathe emits a mild carrion scent briefly during pollination. This is normal; the flowering period is short.
Aphid or fungus gnat attack
Young foliage attracts aphids. Remove by hand or treat with insecticidal soap. Fungus gnats indicate overly moist compost during the growing season — allow the surface to dry more between waterings.
Failure to emerge in spring
Tubers need a minimum soil temperature of around 18°C to break dormancy reliably. Bring pots indoors or into a heated greenhouse if spring temperatures are slow to warm.
Prevent roxburgh's typhonium problems before they start
Most roxburgh's typhonium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Roxburgh's Typhonium problems — FAQ
Why is my roxburgh's typhonium tuber rot in winter?
Leaving tubers in wet soil over the dormant period causes rot. Ensure the compost is dry from leaf die-back until spring re-emergence, or lift and store tubers in dry sand or paper bags.
Why is my roxburgh's typhonium weak or absent foliage?
Very small tubers or those depleted by excessive division may only produce one small leaf per season. Allow tubers to grow undisturbed for 2–3 years to build reserves.
Why is my roxburgh's typhonium unpleasant inflorescence odour?
The spathe emits a mild carrion scent briefly during pollination. This is normal; the flowering period is short.
Why is my roxburgh's typhonium aphid or fungus gnat attack?
Young foliage attracts aphids. Remove by hand or treat with insecticidal soap. Fungus gnats indicate overly moist compost during the growing season — allow the surface to dry more between waterings.
Why is my roxburgh's typhonium failure to emerge in spring?
Tubers need a minimum soil temperature of around 18°C to break dormancy reliably. Bring pots indoors or into a heated greenhouse if spring temperatures are slow to warm.