How to Care for Amorphophallus Plicatus

Care Tips

Water Regularly: Amorphophallus Plicatus love water during its active growing period. Soil can dry slightly between waterings. Water and fertilize regularly for best results.

Soil in Active Growth: Provide a well-draining chunky soil and keep it constantly slightly moist. When the plant goes into a rest period, keep the soil much less moist. 

*The goal for Amorphophallus Plicatus Care is to keep these tubers hydrated without being consistently immersed in a soggy moist medium. 

Sun: This species prefers light sun, while avoiding direct hot afternoon sun. It also likes a humid environment approximately. 

Treatment: 

When a soft spot is detected, carve out the soft infected areas up until you see only fresh flesh of the corm. Then brush over Sulfur Fungicide Powder and leave in a sunny area so the wound(s) can dry and scarify quickly. Be sure to keep away from potential pest infestations.

If you find that some spots are taking longer to dry and have any concerns whether it may still be compromised, carve back that area as quickly as possible and repeat the treatment process in that area. Once, the wounded areas are completely firm dry, the tuber can be returned to the soil.

Amorphophallus Plicatus

Amorphophallus plicatus is commonly known as the Wrinkled Giant Arum. It is a species of flowering plant in the Araceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, this plant is renowned for its striking appearance and unique reproductive structures. In Indonesia, this plant i found on the island of Sulawesi growing in the lowland rainforests. It is considered a relatively small Amorphophallus species. On average once every 1 to 2 years the plant goes dormant and temporarily has no leaves. 

Leaf

The name "plicatus" refers to the distinctive wrinkled or pleated texture of the plant's leaves. The large, compound leaf is divided into multiple leaflets arranged in a palmate manner. The leaf emerges from a tuberous underground corm, which serves as a storage organ for nutrients.

Inflorescence 

Amorphophallus Plicatus typically blooms within in 3-5 years from seed. The inflorescence can reach up to about 40 cm high (approximately 16 inches).  This consists of a pink-purple bract and a dark-colored spadix. The spadix bears small, densely arranged flowers that emit a strong, unpleasant odor to attract pollinators. The bract/spathe can vary in color, typically ranging from greenish to reddish-brown. This species follows a unique flowering pattern known as anthesis, where the inflorescence opens and remains receptive to pollinators for only a short period, usually less than 48 hours. 

Amorphophallus Species Available for Sale: Beccarii, Borneensis, Decus-Silvae, Gigas, Hewittii, Muelleri, Plicatus, Titanum,