Corpse Flower Amorphophallus titanum

What makes the corpse flower so special? The corpse flower is huge—it has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. An inflorescence is a cluster of multiple flowers that sometimes looks like a single flower. The flowers are located at the base of the spadix inside the spathe. There are hundreds of flowers in one inflorescence.

How does it grow? The corpse flower stores energy in a huge underground stem called a “corm.” Each spadix year, the corm will produce either a leaf to increase the energy stores through photosynthesis or an inflorescence to produce seeds for reproduction. Since inflorescence such a large bloom requires lots of energy, it can take several years to several decades to store enough energy to bloom.

The dramatic blooming process begins with the unfurling of the spathe and spathe revealing of the spadix. Once the bloom is fully open, it emits a rotting meat odor. It may remain in bloom for 24 to 48 hours, and then it will collapse quickly. What’s that smell? The corpse flower gets its name from the putrid scent it emits while in bloom. Some describe it as a combination of garlic, fish, diapers, and rotting meat. The stench serves to attract pollinators, such as carrion beetles and flies.

Where in the world does the corpse flower come from? This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, and was first known to science in 1878. In their natural habitat, corpse flower plants can grow up to 12 feet tall.

Can I grow one at home? Amorphophallus titanum requires very special conditions, which most home owners cannot achieve, including warm day and night temperatures, high humidity, and lots of space.

There are a few corpse flower relatives that are more widely available to homeowners, and can even be grown outdoors in milder climates. The voodoo-lily (Amorphophallus konjac) has most of the remarkable characteristics of the corpse flower in a smaller plant (although it may reach 5-6 feet under ideal conditions). Keep in mind, its overpowering smell may be too intense for indoor growing.

Easier to grow indoors and not as foul-smelling is another voodoo-lily (Amorphophallus bulbifer). It may reach a height of over 4 feet. This species produces vegetative bulbils in the leaf axils, which can in turn be planted to produce new plants.

More info at www.USBG.gov/CorpseFlower