Guest Author -
What could be more intriguing than a foul-smelling flower making headlines? The Amorphophallus Titanum, which has bloomed at both Fairchild Tropical Gardens and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in addition to other places, is doing just that! Many people are beginning to look into trying their own hand at growing the Amorphophallus species. The Amorphophallus Titanum has been recorded as blooming fewer than fifteen times nationally but each time it blooms thousands of people stand in line to view this gigantic wonder. So, just what is the commotion all about and why is this particular plant making headlines?
If you can get past the unmistakable stench of this unique plant, it is definitely one to try growing. The average height of the inflorescence of this plant is six and a half feet, although the tallest one on record was a whooping 10.75 foot. Once the tuber has matured underground, it will begin to produce a huge aroid bloom that generally is taller than most humans. The spandex grows rapidly once it begins, although in the beginning the spadix will be completely enclosed by the spath and bracts. The Amorphophallus is considered to be the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world.
Although the Amorphallus Titanum was once rumored to eat its grower, we all know today that that’s just an old wives tale. However, it is difficult to propagate because the tubers are prone to rot. It does not reliably increase its size nor does it produce seeds or offsets as easily as the other species of Amorphophallus. Now, if the idea of a man-eating plant isn’t enough of a shock to you, try the idea of elephants pollinating the monstrous inflorescence! The truth of the matter is that large carrion beetles are lured by the horrendous odor of decaying flesh, or as one person puts it rotten liver! Indonesian people commonly call it bunga bankai, which means corpse flower!
Another reason why Amorphophallus has a hard time reproducing is because the female flowers are the first to open. Before the male florets begin to produce their pollen, the female flowers are already unreceptive. In rare occasions in the wild pollination will occur only because of the fact that Amorphophallus can set bloom any time of the year. This allows for a slight chance that one plant may be in the female cycle while another has already entered into the male cycle.
Should you decide to try growing the Amorphophallus species be aware that spider mites will attack emerging seedlings and that aphids are also moderately fond of this plant. You should also note that low humidity or low light might cause the leaflets to partially desiccate. A plus of low light will be a dark green leaf with contrasting pink margins. A gradual move of this plant into bright light will produce bright green leaves with pinkish margins that are less noticeable.
Another little known fact about this plant is that the Amorphophallus Rivieri ‘Konjac’ also known as the Japanese Konjaku and the Amorphophallus Campanulatus also known as the Asian Elephant Yam both have edible roots. That is their prime purpose of being grown in some countries.
The dormant tubers of the Amorphophallus species should be planted in late winter or early spring in the ground where weather conditions are favorable for it to grow outdoors year round, otherwise plant it in a pot and keep it indoors. The tubers should be planted four inches deep, and grown in warm, barely moist conditions with frequent watering that includes a balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly during the rapid growing season. The larger the tuber is the greater the chance that the plant will bloom.
If you are the really adventurous type, you can always try your hand at sowing Amorphophallus seed in autumn or spring once the temperatures are ranging in the sixty-six to seventy-seven degree fairenheight range. Another method of propagation is to separate the offsets when the plant is dormant.
If you can get past the horrendous smell of these plants, they are definitely one of the weirdest plants you will grow in your garden and they will certainly attract a crowd once they bloom which could be a slow process.
