Overview
Amorphophallus is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Amorphophallus, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amorphophallus grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and sub-tropical.
About the genus
Amorphophallus is a large genus of some 200 tropical and subtropical tuberous herbaceous plants from the arum family (Araceae), native to Asia, Africa, Australia and various oceanic islands. The genus includes the Titan arum of Indonesia, which has the largest inflorescence in the genus, and is known as the 'corpse flower' for the pungent odour it produces during its flowering period, which can take up to seven years of growth before it occurs.
Wikipedia contributors, "Amorphophallus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Amorphophallus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Amorphophallus
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Amorphophallus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amorphophallus
- Propagation
- Separate offsets when dormant, propagate by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Amorphophallus?
Amorphophallus prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Amorphophallus need?
Amorphophallus grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Amorphophallus hardy in the UK?
Amorphophallus has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Amorphophallus?
Separate offsets when dormant, propagate by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.