The Ultimate Guide to Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, and Rhizomes: Here are the differences

I recently stumbled upon some fascinating plant facts that are too good not to share! Turns out, the underground parts of plants are like secret agents, each with a unique mission to keep the plant alive and thriving. Whether it's bulbs, corms, tubers, or rhizomes, these structures are essential for plant survival. And guess what? Indoor plants have them too!

A Quick Glimpse at the Line-Up

Type	Examples	Notes
Bulbs	Tulips, Daffodils, Lilies, Snowdrops	Think of them as tiny, layered cake-like storage units packed with energy.
Corms	Crocus, Gladiolus, Crocosmia	Swollen stems that are basically nature’s version of Tupperware.
Tubers	Potatoes (Stem), Dahlias (Root), Artichokes	Versatile little guys storing up energy for when they’re ready to shine.
Rhizomes	Iris, Banana	Underground explorers that spread far and wide, taking over the garden.

 

Bulbs: The Underground Hoarders

First up, bulbs. Imagine a small onion-like structure chilling underground, waiting for its moment to shine. Bulbs are basically a plant’s personal pantry, filled with layers of stored food. When the weather’s right, these layers of goodness help the plant burst through the soil and flourish. Bulbs come in two flavors: tunicate bulbs, with their papery outer layers (like onions), and non-tunicate bulbs, which are more loosely packed, like lilies. Either way, they’re like the well-organised pack rats of the plant world, always ready for the next season.

Corms: The Stubborn Survivalists

Next, we’ve got corms. If bulbs are the pantry, corms are the underground survivalists. These are not leaves, but swollen stems filled with nutrients. Every year, a corm grows a new version of itself right on top of the old one. It’s like the plant world’s version of a Russian doll, with each corm using the resources of the old one to thrive. Plants like crocus and gladiolus are the poster children for corms, proving that sometimes it’s good to keep your secrets buried.

Tubers: The Underground Renegades

Now, tubers are where things get interesting. These versatile structures can be either stem or root storage organs, depending on the plant. Stem tubers, like potatoes, are basically chubby underground stems that sprout new plants from their “eyes” (yes, those weird little bumps!). On the other hand, root tubers, like dahlias, are thickened roots storing up food for a rainy day. Tubers don’t mess around—they’re like the ultimate preppers, ready to grow whenever, wherever.

Rhizomes: The Garden’s Underground Network

Finally, rhizomes are like the sneaky underdogs of the plant world. These horizontal, underground stems don’t just sit still—they spread out and conquer new territory. As they creep along, they send out roots and shoots, allowing the plant to cover more ground than you might expect. With plants like irises and bananas, rhizomes are the underground architects, slowly but surely expanding their domain.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it—a peek into the underground world that’s been hiding right under our noses (or feet). Whether it’s the organized hoarding of bulbs, the stubborn self-renewal of corms, the rebellious sprouting of tubers, or the sneaky expansion of rhizomes, these structures are key to a thriving garden. Next time you see those flowers pushing through the soil, remember there’s a whole world of action happening underground—quietly, but impressively making sure your garden looks amazing year after year.

And don’t forget, even your indoor plants, like the Alocasia Silver Dragon, are getting in on the action having both Corms & Rhizomes. It’s back in stock at Plant Friends for just £7.99—grab one and let the underground magic happen indoors too!