How To Care for Amorphophallus Titanum

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Amorphophallus Titanum

How to Care for Amorphophallus Titanum

Climate: Amorphophallus Titanum originate from West Sumatra. In West 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 West Sumatra, it is important to note that the average rainfall is between 3-5 inches. The downpours are typically shorter and less frequent. For this reason, allowing tubers to dry out between waterings during the dry season is ideal for this specie.

Amorphophallus grow on limestone hills. Therefore, these tubers can rot very easily with very rich organic soil (especially during their dry season and/or resting period).

Watering: Amorphophallus Titanum can tolerate a lot of water while leafing because the roots are actively taking up moisture to sustain a healthy leaf. Amorphophallus Titanum are typically actively leafing during the wet season in West Sumatra. During this period, it rains regularly and quite heavily. 

Keep the tubers slightly humid but not wet during their rest period. Be sure to only water periodically after the soil is close to drying out. Fertilize in diluted phosphorous rich formula regularly for best results.

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

pH: Because Amorphophallus Titanum grow on limestone hills in West Sumatra, they prefer a more basic soil pH. Limestone is a base. The main component of limestone is calcium carbonate, which has a pH of 9.9. It is important to measure the ph of your soil and consider adding lime to increase alkaline levels in the soil if necessary. 

*The goal for Amorphophallus Titanum Care is to keep these tubers in a humid environment, but not wet during the dry season and/or resting period.

**It is worth noting that there are some additional great benefits of Lime for the soil.

Benefits of Lime:

Lime acts to neutralize soil acidity, promotes the spread of good bacteria and enhances root absorption. Thus, supplying nutrients such as calcium, nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc and magnesium to the plant. 

1. Supports healthy soil bacteria and microbes that are beneficial to maintaining healthy soil over time. 

2. Raising the alkalinity of the soil helps the water to easily rehydrate the soil, thereby rehydrating your plant.

Note: It can take 6 months to a year before it has measurable pH levels when adding lime to your soil.

**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!

**Do not underestimate how quickly these tubers can rot and infect the entire corm quickly and irreparably. It is more likely that one can lose a corm due to rotting, bacterial and/or viral fungi than dehydration.

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. The coat of diatomaceous earth over the wound helps to keep flies from laying eggs/larvae on the tuber while it is out drying. 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.

About Amorphophallus Titanum

Amorphophallus Titanum has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. This specie is endemic to West Sumatra, a small Island west of Indonesia.

**Below are 2 maps that show Sumatra up close and Sumatra relative to nearby Southeastern Asian countries. For your convenience, we uploaded large images so you can zoom in. 

Amorphophallus Titanum is also known as the Corpse flower or Titan Arum. The odor of the Amorphophallus Titanum inflorescence is said to be similar to the stench of a rotting corpse. The titan arum's inflorescence can reach over 3 metres (10 ft) in height.

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 somewhat green stalk that branches into three sections at the top, each containing many leaflets. The leaf structure can reach up to 6 m (20 ft) tall and 5 m (16 ft) across. Each year, the old leaf dies and a new one grows in its place. When the corm has stored enough energy, it becomes dormant for about four months. Then the process repeats.

Below, is one plant from our collection. She is named Queen Hilda. This photo was taken November, 2023. Her tuber was weighed prior to repotting and she was approximately 1215 grams.

The Amorphophallus Titanum corm is the largest known, typically weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb).

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It is a spectacular experience to witness an Amorphophallus Titanum 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!

Amorphophallus Titanum for Sale 

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