Advice Needed on Inside Storage of Mature Arisaema Tubers

[Jim McClements, Dover, DE z6]

In a message dated 82798 11:26:21 PM, you wrote:

<<Any advice available on the best method(s) for inside storage of small and
mature Arisaema tubers?  Are the storage requirements different according to
tuber size?
>>

Park

In addition to what Ray has posted, I'd add that I do think the moisture
requirement is different for different size tubers. (I'm talking here mainly
about refrigerated tubers, since I don't lift and store any arisaemas that are
growing outside.)

When I first started pushing arisaemas along by "artificial winters" I was
very fearful about rotting, and refrigerated them in almost dry potting mix
(promix and turface). As time has gone on, I think I've lost many more to
dessication than to rot, particularly the smaller ones. I now moisten the mix
considerably more than I did a year ago, and I don't seem to be having any rot
problem.

I use "Glad Bags" without the ziploc, and just roll them loosely. I'm sure
that plenty of oxygen gets in, and the mix does tend to dry out somewhat
during the 3-month "winter".

Rotting would certainly be more of a risk at warmer temperatures, but I'd
still advise more moisture with small tubers.

Jim McClements