Amorphophallus bulbifer is an unusual perennial plant originally from from N.E. India. It is grown for both its foliage and its striking and dramatic pink flower.
The flower appears in spring followed by a single leaf shoot that will reach 3 feet.
This spectacular flowering lily grows well with a little car in a pots or containers in sheltered warm position in cooler areas or in the garden in warmer areas.
The flower consists of a white pointed sapid and a pink spathe set on a tall stalk. As the flower dies back it will set seed if pollinated.
Care
Amorphophallus bulbifer requires a moist part shaded position, grows well in a container or pot.
You will need to be patient as it is a plant that needs to mature before it will flower, this can take 4 – 5 years and even then it may not flower every year.
You do require warmth and moisture to successfully grow this species, however run a container it is relatively easy as long as it can be overwintered away from frosts and freezes.
The mature bulbs or tubers should be planted at around 8 inches deep, smaller types at around 3 inches.
They are a winter dormant plant from tropical areas, so they require very little water during dormancy. A soon as it begins to show signs of new growth in spring it is time to start watering and fertilising.
A good liquid seaweed fertiliser once a week seems sufficient if the growing medium is good.
Varieties
- Amorphophallus titanum or titan arum.
- Amorphophallus bulbifer
- Amorphophallus paeoniifolius or ‘Elephant Yam’
- Amorphophallus rivieri ‘konjac’ (see picture at right) are the most popular and easy grown species.
Propagation
Propagation is from seed, or from offsets.
