Have you ever seen a flower that looks like a giant, bright-red and green umbrella? That’s the Titan Arum, or Amorphophallus titanum. Also known as the Corpse flower due to its pungent smell, this rare and spectacular plant is native to Sumatra, Indonesia. The Titan Arum is a fascinating species and one of the most remarkable plants in the world.
It is known for its massive size and putrid smell, earning it the nickname “Corpse Flower.” The Corpse Flower is a member of the Araceae family and is closely related to the calla lily. In addition to the Corpse Flower, the Titan Arum is also known by several other common names, including the “Devil’s Tongue” and the “King of Stinks.”
History and Origin
The Titan Arum was first discovered by Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari in 1878 while on an expedition in Sumatra. He later described the plant in a botanical journal, introducing it to the Western world. The plant’s scientific name, Amorphophallus titanum, comes from the Greek words “amorphos,” meaning misshapen or deformed, and “phallos,” meaning penis. This refers to the plant’s bizarre and unsettling appearance, which has earned it a reputation as one of the strangest plants on earth.
That’s a big one!
The Titan Arum’s name comes from its two main parts; ‘titan’ for its size and ‘arum’ for its inflorescence (flowering part). It is an impressive plant that grows up to three meters tall with huge leaves and an enormous inflorescence. The bract (leaf-like structure) of the inflorescence has a bright red color with green stripes that resemble an umbrella. The centre of the inflorescence consists of hundreds of tiny greenish flowers. When it blooms, it gives off a strong odor which resembles rotting flesh – hence why it’s also known as the Corpse Flower.
Growing Conditions & Lifecycle
The Titan Arum requires warm temperatures (around 25–30 °C) and high humidity levels to thrive. It can take up to eight years for a seedling to reach maturity before flowering for the first time. Its lifecycle begins with an underground corm (bulb-like structure) that produces one or two large leaves which can reach up to six meters long – making them some of the largest leaves in the world! When conditions are right, these leaves will die back before producing an inflorescence which usually happens in summer. After flowering in late summer/early autumn, pollination occurs followed by several months of dormancy before new leaves will emerge again in springtime.
Plant Care
Soil
The Corpse Flower prefers a well-draining soil mix that is high in organic matter. A mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and potting soil will work well.
Watering
The Corpse Flower requires frequent watering during its growing season, but it is important not to overwater as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Light
The Corpse Flower prefers bright, indirect light and will thrive in a spot that receives several hours of indirect sunlight per day.
Temperature
The Corpse Flower prefers warm temperatures, between 70-90°F. It is important to keep the plant in a location that does not experience extreme temperature fluctuations.
Humidity
The Corpse Flower prefers high humidity, so it is a good idea to mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, fertilize the Corpse Flower every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce fertilization to once a month during the dormant season.
Repotting
The Corpse Flower will need to be repotted every two to three years as it grows. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot, as the plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Pruning
The Corpse Flower does not require pruning, but dead or damaged leaves can be removed as needed.
Propagation
The Corpse Flower can be propagated by dividing the offsets that grow around the base of the plant. These offsets can be carefully removed and replanted in their own pots.
Blooms
The Corpse Flower is known for its massive, unique flowers, which can reach up to 10 feet tall and several feet wide. The flowers are made up of a spadix, or central spike, surrounded by a spathe, or large bract. The flowers are a deep burgundy color and are covered in a thick, foul-smelling slime.
Growth
The Corpse Flower is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach its full size. Once it reaches maturity, the plant will produce a massive flower every few years.
Toxicity
The Corpse Flower is not toxic to humans or pets, but it is not recommended to consume any part of the plant due to its strong, unpleasant smell.
Common Problems
Pests and Diseases
The Corpse Flower is susceptible to pests such as aphids and mealybugs, as well as diseases such as root rot and bacterial soft rot. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant in a clean environment and avoid over-watering.
Root-Rot
Root rot is a common problem with the Corpse Flower and can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a foul smell coming from the soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Tips for Growing
Tips for growing a healthy Corpse Flower:
- Keep the plant in a location with bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
- Water the plant regularly, but do not allow the soil to become soggy.
- Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.
- Mist the plant regularly to increase humidity.
- Repot the plant every two to three years as it grows.
- Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Corpse Flower so rare?
The Corpse Flower is a rare plant due to its native habitat being threatened by deforestation and the plant’s slow rate of growth. It can take several years for the plant to produce a flower, and it is not commonly found in cultivation.
Why is the Corpse Flower so smelly?
The Corpse Flower produces a strong, unpleasant smell in order to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flesh flies. The smell is meant to mimic the scent of decaying flesh, which is attractive to these insects. The plant’s foul smell has earned it the nickname “Corpse Flower.”
How long does the Corpse Flower bloom for?
The Corpse Flower’s bloom can last for several days, but the exact length of time will vary depending on the individual plant. The bloom is followed by a dormant period, during which the plant will not produce any new growth.
How often does the Corpse Flower bloom?
The Corpse Flower is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach maturity. Once it reaches maturity, it will produce a massive flower every few years. The exact timing of the bloom will depend on the individual plant and its growing conditions.
Can the Corpse Flower be grown indoors?
Yes – but why would you want to? The Corpse Flower can be grown indoors as a houseplant, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. It prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures, as well as high humidity. It is important to provide the plant with proper care and a well-draining soil mix to ensure its success.
Are there any other unusual or unique plants that you recommend?
Yes, there are many unusual and unique plants that make interesting additions to any garden or home. Some interesting options include the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), which is known for its carnivorous habits, and the Corpse Flower’s close relative, the Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), which is known for its elegant white or pink flowers. The Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea), a tree native to Florida, is also an interesting choice, as it grows by wrapping its roots around the trunk of its host tree and eventually strangling it. Overall, there are many unusual and unique plants to choose from, so it is worth exploring and finding one that fits your personal interests and gardening needs.
How can I get my own Corpse Flower plant?
If you are interested in growing your own Corpse Flower, it is important to note that the plant can be difficult to find and may not be readily available at your local nursery. One option is to try searching online plant retailers or specialty plant stores (just be careful of scams like my post on blue Dragon Fruit), as they may have the plant available for purchase. It is also possible to find Corpse Flower seeds for sale online, but be aware that it can take several years for the plant to reach maturity and produce a flower from seed.
Is the Corpse Flower endangered?
The Corpse Flower is not currently listed as an endangered species, but its native habitat in the rainforests of Sumatra is threatened by deforestation. The plant is also not commonly found in cultivation, which may contribute to its rarity. It is important to support conservation efforts in the plant’s native habitat in order to ensure its long-term survival.
Can the Corpse Flower be grown in a container or does it need to be planted in the ground?
The Corpse Flower can be grown in a container, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size. It is important to choose a pot that has good drainage and to use a well-draining soil mix. It is also important to monitor the plant’s watering needs and not allow the soil to become soggy, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Is the Corpse Flower poisonous or toxic?
The Corpse Flower is not toxic to humans or pets, but it is not recommended to consume any part of the plant due to its strong, unpleasant smell. It is best to admire the plant from a distance and to avoid ingesting any part of it.
Can the Corpse Flower be grown outdoors?
The Corpse Flower can be grown outdoors in warmer climates with high humidity, such as in parts of Florida or California in the States and it’s sometimes on show in Cairns and Adelaide Australia. It is important to provide the plant with bright, indirect light and to protect it from extreme temperature fluctuations. In colder climates, the Corpse Flower can be grown outdoors in the summer months and brought indoors during the winter to protect it from frost.
How big does the Corpse Flower get?
The Corpse Flower is a massive plant and can reach up to 10 feet tall and several feet wide when it is in bloom. The plant’s size will depend on the individual plant and its growing conditions.
What kind of care does the Corpse Flower require?
The Corpse Flower requires specific care in order to thrive. It prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures, as well as high humidity. It should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be allowed to become soggy. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season. The Corpse Flower should be repotted every two to three years as it grows and dead or damaged leaves should be removed as needed.
Is the Corpse Flower easy to grow?
The Corpse Flower is not an easy plant to grow and requires specific care in order to thrive. It is important to provide the plant with the proper light, temperature, and humidity conditions, as well as to keep the soil well-draining and fertilized. The plant’s slow growth rate and susceptibility to pests and diseases can also make it challenging to grow. However, with proper care and attention, it is possible to successfully grow a Corpse Flower at home.
The Titan Arum is truly a remarkable plant that has been captivating gardeners around the world since its discovery. This stinky species requires special care and attention but if provided with ideal growing conditions, you may be lucky enough to witness this amazing spectacle – just remember not to stand too close because of its smelly bloom.
