About
Amorphophallus konjac is a tuberous perennial known for its unique flowering habit. In summer, it produces a solitary bloom featuring a glossy, red-purple spathe encasing a tall, paddle-shaped brown spadix. The flower emits a strong odor to lure pollinating flies. Following the bloom's decline, a single, intricately divided leaf emerges, showcasing vibrant green leaflets atop a robust, olive-green stem adorned with white markings.
About the genus
Amorphophallus consists of perennial plants characterized by corm-like rhizomes and large, deeply divided leaves. Their flowers feature a spathe that ranges from purple-red to greenish-white and is typically accompanied by a central spadix, often emitting a strong odor.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
- Native to
- Indonesia to Japan
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant dormant tubers 10cm deep in late winter or early spring in a large container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost. Grow in filtered light, water and feed while in active growth, and overwinter in warm, barely moist conditions
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Separate offsets when dormant, or propagate by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free