The Encyclopedia of House Plants

Click a link for description, or click a picture to see a larger image

Amorphophallus

Family: Araceae.

Amorphophallus konjac C. Koch. (Amorphophallus rivieri Durieu) Common name(s): Devil's tongue, Snake Palm
Amorphophallus Genus of 90-100 species of perennials, with corm-like rhizomes, from moist, shaded habitats in tropical Africa and Asia. An unusual, fast growing plant. When the bulb starts to grow, it resembles a garden snake. Umbrella-like foliage and multi-colored trunk. An excellent patio plant. Amorphophallus
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Plant dormant tubers 4 in (10 cm) deep in late winter or early spring. Grow in soil-based potting mix in large container, in filtered light. Overwinter tubers in warm, barely moist condition (you can remove the plant from the container). Water freely when in grow. Reduce watering when the foliage dies down. Sow seed at 66-75 F (19-24 C) in autumn or early spring. Separate offsets when dormant.
Flowering Amorphophallus konjac
Flowering Amorphophallus konjac

User-submitted additions and corrections:

Lyn
canada
3rd May 2009 		We were given a plant - and were told the name is "sacred lily". We continue to use the name and have given a few extra plants away to other people and they like the name and the plant. (Note: We are not religious) Any comments on this name?
melissa
31st Jan 2010 		I've actually always heard of it as being called the corpse flower - because when it blooms, it smells like rotting flesh. Yum! The "trunk" is actually a petiole as the whole thing is one giant leaf.
These materials are freely provided for instructional and educational purposes. Any duplication or publication of text or images herein for commercial gain without explicit written permission of the owner or photographer constitutes breach of trust and violation of copyright.
Copyright © Galka Okhapkina 1998-2024