How to Care for Amorphophallus Gigas

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Amorphophallus Gigas

How to Care for Amorphophallus Gigas

In Sumatra Indonesia, there are 2 climatic cycles, a dry period and a wet period.

Climate: Amorphophallus Gigas originate throughout Sumatra, Indonesia. In Sumatra, temperatures average between 72-82 degrees daily. There is a wet season (roughly November-March) and dry season (alternatively). During the dry season in Sumatra, it is important to note that the average rainfall is between 3-5 inches. The downpours are typically shorter and less frequent. Therefore, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings during the dry season is preferred for this specie.

These tubers can rot very easily with very rich organic soil (especially during their dry season and/or resting period).

*The goal for Amorphophallus Gigas Care is to keep these tubers in a damp humid environment without being consistently immersed in a wet soil during the dry season and/or resting period.

Watering: Amorphophallus Gigas are typically active year-round with a 'rest period' of several months out of the year. Amorphophallus Gigas love water while leafing. This often occurs during their wet season in West Sumatra.   Water frequently during their leafing cycle.

When at rest, they like to rest in a humid state but not wet. Try to imagine how that would feel like and mix the soil accordingly. Be sure to only water periodically after the soil is getting slightly dry. Do not let the soil ever dry out for too long. 

Fertilize: Various methods of fertilization of this plant has been seen to be effective in keeping these plants healthy. What we found to be rewarding for us, is fertilizing them regularly with a very diluted dose of phosphorous rich fertilizer during their leafing state. 

Soil: Amorphophallus Gigas, like many other Aroids, love to be in chunky airy soil. An ideal consistency for these types of plants is an approximate blend of 70/30 (Perlite/Coco Coir respectively). 

**We offer a refined selection of potting medium curated for this specie. It includes a rich mix of nutrients, including an instant release fertilizer, slow release fertilizer, fungicide as well as robust rooting inoculants to help keep this plant nourished all season long. Shop our specialized blends for this specie HERE!

Sun: These specie prefer light to medium sun and a humid environment. 

Treatment: When a soft spot is detected, carve out the soft infected areas up until you see only fresh flesh of the corm. Then brush over Sulfur Fungicide Powder and Diatomaceous Earth and then leave the tuber in a sunny area so the wound(s) can dry and scarify quickly. Be sure to keep away from potential pest infestations.

If you find that some spots are taking longer to dry and have any concerns whether it may still be compromised, carve back that area as quickly as possible and repeat the treatment process in that area. Once, the wounded areas are completely firm dry, the tuber can be returned to the soil. It's gets tricky! Good luck.

Amorphophallus Gigas

Amorphophallus Gigas is native to the lowland rainforests of Sumatra. Formerly known as Amorphophallus Brooksii, this specie boasts an inflorescence with a very large spadix surrounded by a proportionally large spathe upon a stalk which in total can reach up to 11 ft 4 in ( 3.4 meters) in height. Amorphophallus Gigas is known for having the tallest inflorescences in the world. The leaf of Amorphophallus Gigas can reach a height of 14 feet tall. The tuber or corm is second in size to Amorphophallus Titanum at up to 154 pounds (70 kilograms) in weight.

Photo referenced: Amorphophallus Gigas Inflorescence

Amorphophallus Gigas is a close relative to Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae. Both share visibly distinct leaflets, inflorescence and at times visually similar petioles as well. Amorphophallus Gigas from Northern Sumatra has distinctively thin, dark spadices that are black/purple. Whereas, Gigas specimens from Central and South Sumatra are pale pink/yellow, more similarly to the Petiole of Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae. Other than some minor differences, Gigas and Decus-Silvae share the most similarities in comparison to other Amophophallus species. 

With Amorphophallus Gigas, there is no pronounced dormancy. Just like A. Titanum and A. Prainii, Gigas keeps going and going. This specie has been seen to survive through nights with tempuratures dropping in the  low 40's in Fahrenheit, without losing it's leaf. Amorphophallus Gigas prefers relatively more humidity compared to Amorphophallus Titanum. Similar to the behavior of Amorphophallus Odoratus, the leaflets of Amorphophallus Gigas tend to curl down with insufficient humidity.

Photo referenced: Amorphophallus Gigas Leaf

**Below is a map that show Sumatra, Indonesia where Amorphophallus Gigas can be found. For your convenience, we provided a large image so it can be zoomed in.

After blooming, the flower dies back and a single leaf, which reaches the size of a small tree, grows from the corm. The leaf grows on a tall stalk that branches into three sections at the top, each containing many leaflets.

Each year, the old leaf dies and a new one grows in its place. When the corm has stored enough energy, it will on occasion, rest for about four months. Then the process repeats.

It is a spectacular experience to witness an Amorphophallus grow. This is a great plant to grow for passionate plant enthusiasts who love to watch their plants thrive and constantly evolve, greeting them with unimaginable beauty year after year!  SHOP NOW!

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Amorphophallus Gigas for Sale

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