Tubers rotten/Arisaema griffithii

[Pacific Rim]

Tony, your experience with "Arisaema griffithii and related species" differs
from mine. I am thinking also of speciosum, costatum, utile, galeatum (and
indeed about quite a few species outside Section Arisaema).

Here, in both garden and nursery beds, these plants do not require a dry
dormancy. They are rained on for much of the year and watered regularly when
the rain stops. The soil in the garden and the mix in the nursery beds is
deep, rich in humus, and porous. The nursery beds face south and southeast;
the garden beds are on slopes, usually over clay, and at least one bed faces
each direction of the compass.

>From the difference between Tony's experience and mine, it is plain that the
conditions these plants will tolerate are quite wide. I have to think that
subtle, compensatory modulations of growing conditions make a difference.
(Just as when tuning a radio: turn the volume up, then compensate by turning
the bass down a tad.)

I would think about temperatures -- how fast they rise and fall, and how
far -- light versus shade, nutrition and especially drainage. Perhaps my
beds drain more sharply than Tony's. Perhaps moisture on the tubers is not
harmful, or less harmful, if the moisture is flowing rapidly and so more
likely to be well oxygenated.

Other ideas welcome!

Paige Woodward
paige at hillkeep.ca
www.hillkeep.ca

Tony Avent wrote:

> We have found the key with A. griffithii and related species is to store
> them in dry peat in plastic-lined open top cardboard boxes, stored in an
> area that stays just above freezing.  If there is any damage to the
> growing tip in shipment, they will rot.  We have had these flower well in
> the ground, but only provided they are planted where the soil stays dry
> once they have gone dormant.  In pots, they will sprout and flower in a
> small container, but they will not last long.  If you want to keep it in a
> container, I would not recommend anything less than a 3qt pot, with a
> well-draining soilless mix. I hope this helps.

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