Buy Your Corms Today

What is a CORM (boring answer): A corm is a swollen part of a plant stem that grows underground. It stores food and energy to help the plant grow new leaves, roots, and stems—either during its regular life cycle or after a dormant period (like winter).

The simple version:  A seed you can plant and grow your own Alocasia, Gladiolus, Cyclamen, Caladium, Watsonia and more!  Here at Bougie Botanical, we focus on ALOCASIA”S.

We house our CORMS in a mini “greenhouse".  Ok, it’s just a square box with a tray in it that has distilled water in it; below the tray. The Corm sits on top the tray. We recommend opening the “greenhouse” daily for a few minutes to air it out and help prevent mold.

What if I get mold?  (Which looks like white fur around it).  Use Hydrogen Peroxide.  You know, the stuff you get in the brown bottle.   Wipe it down and clean out the “greenhouse”.  Add distilled water back in the “greenhouse” to a level just below the tray and put the corm back in.  If the Corm is soft, I’m sad to say it will not sprout wings and fly.  And sadly, it won’t grow either.

YIPPY! It’s on its way to becoming a full fledge plant.  After it sprouts leaves and you plant it in some PON or substrate and wait a few months.  But hey, can’t a Bougie Botanical Corm live the dream?  After the roots and a leaf or two sprout up, it’s time to plant your Bougie Botanical Corm. 

First clean and prep the Corm.

Corms grow best in light, airy, and moist—not wet—substrates that allow for airflow and prevent rot. Before planting, always moisten the substrate so it feels like a wrung-out sponge.  If you use PON, well you can’t wring it out.

Here are a few popular planting options:

• PON:  Pon is a soilless potting substrate made from minerals like zeolite, pumice, and lava rock, providing excellent drainage and aeration for plant roots. It helps reduce the risk of root rot and is often used in self-watering planters.
• Perlite: Offers excellent drainage, ideal for humid environments. Caution: perlite dust can be harmful—wear a mask when handling it dry.
• Sphagnum moss: Holds moisture and supports early root development. Needs ventilation to avoid mold.
• Coco coir: A sustainable, spongy medium that retains moisture without becoming soggy. Good for most tropical corms.
• Stratum (aqua soil): A nutrient-rich, soil-like substrate often used in semi-hydro setups. Ideal for growers wanting structured root support.
• Soilless potting mix: Easy and accessible. Choose one with added perlite or bark for better drainage.

Avoid traditional heavy garden soil—it retains too much water and can suffocate developing roots.

Once cleaned and prepared, follow these steps:

• Fill your container with pre-moistened substrate.
• Place the corm with the pointed end or sprout facing up. This is where the stem will emerge. The flat side will develop roots.
• Plant the corm about 1.5 to 2 times its height deep in the substrate.
• Cover the container with a humidity dome, clear plastic lid, or place it inside a sealed container to simulate a mini greenhouse. This helps trap warmth and moisture.
• Ensure airflow. Fully sealed environments without ventilation can encourage mold or rot. Leave a small opening or ventilate daily.

Set your container in a warm space with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun at this stage.

• Water sparingly until roots are established. The substrate should remain moist, not soggy.   AGAIN - NOT SOGGY!  That can cause root rot. 
• LIGHT:  We recommend bright, indirect light .
• Fertilize sparingly every few weeks using a balanced, diluted plant food once roots and leaves are visible.
• Monitor for mold or pests, especially if using moss or humidity domes.

NOW - Sit back and let her grow.