PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct midday summer sun which can scorch leaves
Watering
Requires consistently saturated or boggy soil; never allow root zone to dry out completely
Temperature
Hardy to freezing temperatures; thrives in cool, moist conditions and can melt surrounding snow via thermogenesis
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, glossy heart-shaped leaves up to 1 m long, emerging after flowering
- Flower: Bright yellow spathe enclosing a fleshy spadix, emitting a skunk-like odor to attract pollinators
- Stem: Thick, succulent basal stems anchored by dense fibrous roots
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain continuously saturated soil; submerge pot base in shallow standing water if grown in containers
Fertilization
Apply diluted organic fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering without excessive foliage growth
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent odor and pest issuesPruning
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves after flowering to maintain tidy growth
- Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve air circulation and reduce competition
- Cut back spent flower stalks to redirect energy to root and foliage development
- Trim any dead or decaying roots during repotting in early spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; calcium oxalate crystals cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing
Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral and throat irritation; sap may irritate sensitive skin
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used cautiously by some Pacific Northwest Indigenous groups for limited medicinal applications
Usage: Wetland restoration projects; ornamental bog garden plant
