
AMORPHOPHALLUS PAEONIIFOLIUS(
CAMPANULATUM )
Corpse Flower
Amorphophallus
paeoniifolius is perhaps one of the ugliest flowers (inflorescence)
in the world and to accompany it is one of the worst scents that you
can imagine. Its hard to get close to the flower when its releasing
its perfume. Fortunately the foul odor only last for a few hours after
the flower opens.
The
plant only blooms when mature and even so it doesn't bloom every year.
Flowers last only about 5 days.
Even
more interesting, during this phase the plant generates heat which
can be felt if you have the guts to stick your hand inside the inflorescence.
The heat and the smell mimics an animal that has recently died to
attract the flies that will pollinate the flower.
Instructions:
Amorphophallus
will go dormant in the winter.Plant
the tubers in pots at least 4" wider than the bulb. Bury them
about 8"-10" deep if it is a big bulb, 3" - 5"
for a medium size bulb, 1" - 3" for small bulbs and use
a good quality potting mix. Make
sure that the top of the plant is facing up.When
dormant, don't
give it too much water, let the soil dry out. Keep it dry for a couple
of weeks and then water it again. Don't fertilize. Repeat this process
until the tuber wakes up in the spring. At that time you can start
watering regularly and fertilizing the plant.
In the spring, if the plant is mature enough, you will see the flowers,
otherwise a leaf will sprout.
Very often they form clumps with the flower appearing between the
leaves. Water and
fertilize when growing. They should start going dormant again in the
fall. The tuber can be dug up by late winter if necessary.
Check
out:
Amorphophallus
bulbifer
FAMILY
: Araceae
ORIGIN :India
SIZE : 4'-5'
LIGHT
REQUIREMENTS :shade/
partial sun
WATER
REQUIREMENTS :
keep dry during dormancy,
keep moist during growing period
MIN. TEMP. : don't let the soil freeze
FLOWER :in the spring on mature plants