Overview
Amorphophallus tonkinensis is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Amorphophallus, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amorphophallus tonkinensis 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
Amorphophallus tonkinensis is a deciduous, columnar upright perennial from the genus Amorphophallus, known for its corm-like rhizomes and large, deeply divided leaves. This conservatory or greenhouse bulb thrives in partial shade with a west or east-facing aspect, preferring moist but well-drained loam soil that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. It is best suited to sheltered locations and is hardy to UK zone H1b. Typically grown as a patio or container plant in sub-tropical conditions, it flowers in spring and can be propagated by separating offsets during dormancy or by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring.
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 tonkinensis 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 tonkinensis
- 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 tonkinensis?
Amorphophallus tonkinensis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Amorphophallus tonkinensis need?
Amorphophallus tonkinensis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Amorphophallus tonkinensis hardy in the UK?
Amorphophallus tonkinensis 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 tonkinensis?
Separate offsets when dormant, propagate by seed sown in heat in autumn or early spring.