Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum)

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Bright indirect sunlight; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch foliage; tolerate partial shade during dormancy

💧

Watering Keep growing medium evenly moist during active leaf growth; reduce watering to keep tuber slightly dry during dormancy

🌡️

Temperature Thrives in warm, humid conditions; avoid temperatures below 15°C as it can damage the underground tuber

🔍

Leaf: Single umbrella-like leaf (up to 6 m tall) with segmented leaflets atop a thick, spotted stalk; dies back after growing season
Flower: Funnel-shaped maroon spathe with green veins surrounds a tall central spadix; emits a foul, rotting-meat odor
Tuber: Large underground storage organ that sustains the plant between infrequent blooms

🛠️

Watering

Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged during leaf growth

Fertilization

Diluted balanced fertilizer once monthly during leaf growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the sensitive tuber

Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations and odor

Pruning

Remove yellowing or damaged leaf fronds to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
Trim dead foliage completely after it dies back to prepare the tuber for dormancy
Repot only when the tuber outgrows its container, taking care to avoid damaging the fragile root system

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing

Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral and throat irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing

📖

Culture: Symbolizes botanical rarity and nature's unorthodox survival strategies; a popular exhibit in major botanical gardens

Usage: Ornamental educational specimen in specialized greenhouses; rarely grown by home gardeners due to size and care requirements