Aroid (Amorphophallus manta)

Product description

This very rare Amorphophallus species occurs only in a few small populations in the mountains of West Sumatra. The species was described in 1994 by Wilbert Hetterscheid based on a specimen found in the Harau Valley. It is a striking species, with particularly striking silver-green leaves with a pink glow. These leaves grow up to 60 cm high and have a petiole with spots in various colours. When the underground tuber is large enough, the species can flower. A brown-red spathe appears on a 30 cm high flower stem, containing a dark purple spadix and light-coloured flowers. The inflorescence emits a cocoa-like scent to attract insects for pollination.
 
The species can be kept as a houseplant, requiring well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and provide a light location without direct sunlight. During the dormant period, the tuber should remain in the soil, after which it will sprout again on its own.
 
Sowing description: The germinated seed can be transferred directly to well-drained soil with organic material. Keep constantly slightly moist, with a temperature of 25-30°C being optimal for initial development.

The seeds come from plants flowering in cultivation.