Can I save a corm that has rot?

If the rot is minor, you can try cutting away the mushy parts and letting the corm dry in the sun for a day. However, it is usually safer to discard it to prevent spreading fungus to your other plants.

How often should I water my gladiolus?

Water them every 5 to 7 days during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Why are my gladiolus corms rotting? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture level with your finger.
Check the pot for drainage holes.
Inspect the corm for soft or mushy spots.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet or swampy, and the base of the plant may feel mushy. You might notice a sour or unpleasant smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. In the future, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fusarium Wilt
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the corm develops dark, sunken, or rotting spots. This fungal infection often happens in warm, wet soil.
What to do: Dig up the affected corm and discard it in the trash, not your compost pile. Do not replant gladiolus in that same spot for at least 3 years to let the fungus die off. Always buy healthy, firm corms for future planting.

Find out what's wrong with your sword lily

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the entire corm is mushy or the leaves have collapsed, the plant is likely too far gone. It is normal for old foliage to fade after the plant has finished blooming.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your corms in well draining soil and avoid overwatering during the active growing season.

Keep your sword lily healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a corm that has rot?: If the rot is minor, you can try cutting away the mushy parts and letting the corm dry in the sun for a day. However, it is usually safer to discard it to prevent spreading fungus to your other plants.
How often should I water my gladiolus?: Water them every 5 to 7 days during the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Why are my gladiolus corms rotting?