Aroid (Amorphophallus variabilis)

Product description

This is a relatively small and easy to care for Amorphophallus species. The maximum height will be about 1 meter and also, the species can flower within a few years from sowing. The exact growth habit and, for example, the colors of the inflorescence are variable, giving the species its Latin name variabilis. There are usually pink shades in an otherwise fairly white inflorescence spike and bract, but it can also go towards a yellow or purple shade. The flowers emit a sweet, durian-like odor that attracts beetles for pollination in the tropics. The species is mainly found on Java in Indonesia, but can also be found on small islands along the coast. 

The plant can be kept as a houseplant in our area, where there will be 1 leaf visible at a time. Each leaf is followed from an underground tuber by a new leaf that is somewhat larger. Once a year the plant goes dormant, after which the tuber will sprout again on its own. In the dormant period it is important to give little water, while the growth phase needs a relatively large amount of water. In addition, make sure there is a good airy soil with, for example, Spaghnum-moss, orchid soil and/or humus. And a shady spot.

Sowing description: Sow the short-lived seed in moist Spaghnum moss at 22-30degC. After germination transfer to an airy soil mixture of e.g. Spaghnum moss, orchid soil, seedling soil and/or humus.