Corpse Flower, Titan Arum, Voodoo Lily
Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the Titan Arum or Corpse Flower, is one of the world’s most fascinating and largest flowering plants. Celebrated for its enormous inflorescence and its pungent odor reminiscent of rotting flesh, this plant has captivated botanists, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts worldwide. Native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, this rare and extraordinary plant is a true marvel of the natural world.
The Corpse Flower belongs to the Araceae family, which includes other unique plants such as the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Calla Lily (Zantedeschia), and Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia).
The Corpse Flower is a tuberous perennial that produces one of the largest unbranched inflorescences in the world. Its spectacular bloom consists of a towering central spadix surrounded by a large, petal-like spathe. The spathe is green on the outside and deep maroon on the inside, adding to its striking appearance.
When in bloom, the spadix can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height, making it an unforgettable sight. The inflorescence emits a strong odor of decaying flesh, which attracts carrion beetles and flies for pollination. The bloom is short-lived, typically lasting only 24–48 hours before collapsing.
Between blooming cycles, the plant produces a single, massive leaf that resembles a small tree. This leaf can reach heights of 20 feet (6 meters) and is divided into numerous leaflets, maximizing photosynthesis to replenish the tuber’s energy reserves.
The corm is the world’s largest, weighing up to 200 pounds (90 kg) and storing immense energy for its remarkable bloom.
The Corpse Flower is native to the tropical rainforests of western Sumatra in Indonesia. It thrives in warm, humid environments under the canopy of dense forests, where it benefits from filtered sunlight and nutrient-rich soils.
In its natural habitat, the Corpse Flower plays a vital role in supporting rainforest ecosystems by attracting specific pollinators and providing food for small animals.
The Corpse Flower is a herbaceous perennial with a tuberous growth habit. It alternates between vegetative and flowering phases, depending on its energy reserves. During the vegetative phase, it produces a single, tree-like leaf, while during the flowering phase, it develops its iconic inflorescence.
The Corpse Flower is a giant among plants. Its inflorescence can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 meters) wide. The single leaf can reach heights of 20 feet (6 meters) and spread 15 feet (4.5 meters) across, resembling a small tree. The underground tuber can weigh over 200 pounds (90 kilograms), making it the largest known corm in the plant kingdom.
The Corpse Flower’s inflorescence is both spectacular and short-lived. The central spadix is surrounded by the spathe, which opens to reveal its deep maroon interior. The plant emits its infamous odor during the bloom, attracting carrion insects for pollination.
The flowers are tiny and located at the base of the spadix, with separate male and female flowers. If pollinated, the plant produces clusters of bright red berries, each containing a single seed. These berries are an important food source for certain rainforest animals but are rarely seen outside its native habitat.
During the vegetative phase, the Corpse Flower produces a single, massive leaf. This compound leaf emerges from the corm and can grow to the size of a small tree, with a tall, mottled stalk and numerous leaflets. The foliage is both functional and decorative, enabling the plant to store energy for its next bloom cycle.
The Corpse Flower thrives in tropical climates and is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10–12. It requires consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and protection from frost. In cooler climates, it can be grown in greenhouses or conservatories that replicate its native rainforest conditions.
The Corpse Flower is pollinated by carrion beetles and flesh flies, which are attracted to the plant’s strong odor and deep maroon spathe, mimicking decaying flesh. These insects play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction by transferring pollen between flowers.
The berries produced after successful pollination are consumed by birds and mammals in the rainforest, aiding in seed dispersal.
All parts of the Corpse Flower contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are sharp, needle-like compounds that can irritate the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract if ingested. This makes the plant toxic to both cats and dogs, causing symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While not typically lethal, ingestion can be highly uncomfortable and may require veterinary attention. Humans should also avoid consuming or handling the plant without protection, as the crystals can irritate skin and mucous membranes.
The Corpse Flower is not considered invasive due to its specific environmental requirements and extremely slow growth, which prevent it from spreading aggressively outside its native habitat or cultivated environments. In fact, it is classified as endangered, with its survival threatened by habitat loss and deforestation in its native Sumatran rainforests. Rare flowers: beauty beyond ordinary gardens
The Corpse Flower prefers bright, indirect light, similar to the filtered sunlight it receives in its native rainforest. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Plant in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix with plenty of organic matter. A mix of loam, compost, and sand works well to replicate its natural habitat.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the plant’s dormancy to prevent the tuber from rotting.
Maintain temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C) during the day and 68–80°F (20–27°C) at night for optimal growth. The Corpse Flower thrives in 70–90% humidity, mimicking its native rainforest environment. If growing indoors, use a humidifier or mist the plant regularly to maintain the required humidity levels and ensure its health.
Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the active growth phase. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the tuber.
Remove spent leaves and flower stalks to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent fungal issues.
In cooler climates, move the plant to a warm, humid greenhouse or indoor space during winter. Maintain temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
There are several methods to propagate the Corpse Flower, including:
The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) emits a foul, rotting flesh odor to attract pollinators like carrion beetles and flesh flies that are drawn to decaying organic matter. This stench is produced during blooming, aided by the plant’s ability to generate heat, which helps diffuse the smell and mimic the warmth of decomposing flesh.
The name “corpse plant” comes from the flower’s infamous stench, which resembles that of a decomposing body. This unique characteristic is vital for its pollination strategy, as it mimics the smell of decaying meat to lure specific pollinators.
The corpse flower requires significant energy reserves to produce its massive bloom. It spends years accumulating nutrients in its underground corm, which can weigh over 200 pounds (90 kg). The plant typically blooms only after it has stored enough energy, which can take 7–10 years under optimal conditions.
Yes, the corpse flower contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if ingested. These crystals can irritate the mouth and digestive tract, making the plant harmful to humans, cats, dogs, and other animals.
A mature corpse flower may bloom every 7–10 years, although this varies depending on growing conditions and the plant’s health. Once it blooms, the flower lasts only 24–48 hours before it collapses.
In cultivation, the corpse flower can live for 30–40 years, producing several blooms over its lifetime. In its native habitat, its lifespan can vary depending on environmental factors such as deforestation and climate conditions.
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
How many Amorphophallus titanum (Corpse Flower) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Amorphophallus titanum (Corpse Flower) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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