Aroid (Amorphophallus plicatus)

Product description

This is a very rare Amorphophallus species that naturally occurs only on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. There the species grows in the lower layers of the rainforest with lots of plant material in the soil. From an underground tuber, 1 umbrella-shaped leaf grows each time, which is followed by a larger leaf. When the tuber has grown sufficiently, the plant can flower with a spectacular inflorescence about 40 cm high. This consists of a pink-purple bract and a dark-colored spadix. The unpleasant smell attracts flies for pollination, after which red fruits are formed, each containing 1 seed. 

It is a fairly small Amorphophallus species which makes it suitable as a houseplant. It will also be able to flower relatively quickly (after a few years). Provide a light spot without direct sunlight and water as soon as the soil becomes dry. On average once every 1 to 2 years the plant goes dormant and temporarily has no leaves. During this period it is important to give less water so that the tuber does not rot. The tuber will sprout again on its own after this resting period.

See for photos of the inflorescence: IAS: Amorphophallus plicatus (aroid.org). 
Our seeds are from cultivated plants.

Seed description: first remove any fruit remains. Then sow the seed directly in moist Spaghnum moss at 25-30degC. Once it has germinated, it can be transferred to a light soil mixture of e.g. moss and coconut soil.