Tree-like aroid with the largest unbranched inflorescence of any plant!

Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the titan arum, needs no introduction. The inflorescence of this gigantic aroid is so impressive that every time one opens in a publicly accessible botanical garden, visitors flock to see and smell the spectacle, which only lasts for one day.

Not only the flower of this species is gigantic (the largest unbranched inflorescence of any plant!). But also the leaf, which grows from the corm and looks like a small tree, up to 5 meters tall. The leaf has an umbrella-shaped, compound leaf blade that can reach the size of a small tree (3 meters, old plants up to 6 meters tall) and lasts for up to 20 months. After the leaf dies, the plant rests as a corm in the ground.

The corm that produces these leaves and flowers can weigh over 100 kilograms. They can double or triple their weight each season under optimal conditions. From a corm weight of about 20 kilograms, an inflorescence can form at the end of the resting period. The typical aroid inflorescence emits a carrion scent for about 1-2 days, which in nature serves to attract and trick pollinators.

Brief botanical information

Amorphophallus titanum is a giant, almost tree-like aroid originally from tropical rainforests on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The plant produces an underground corm that can weigh over 100 kilograms.

After 7 to 10 years, a gigantic, vase-shaped inflorescence can form, reaching over 3 meters tall and considered the world's largest unbranched inflorescence of any plant. The inflorescence remains open for only a short time and emits a rather strong odor.

The large, starchy, tuber-like seeds germinate easily and quickly and to almost 100%. In botanical gardens, Titan Arum flowers regularly attract hundreds of visitors.

Care

Amorphophallus titanum requires warm, preferably humid, tropical conditions when cultivated. However, it is not fussy and will grow and even flower in a very large pot under appropriate conditions, such as those found in a good conservatory with indoor overwintering. It is also possible to cultivate the titan arum indoors all year round.

Small plants can be grown indoors successfully as long as they receive abundant light and year-round temperatures above 20°C. In the tropical garden, Amorphophallus titanum thrives in a well-drained, humus-rich substrate. Our peat-free soil works well.

In a pot, it should not be planted too large to avoid the risk of overwatering. Dormant corms prefer to be kept slightly moist at 20 to 25°C.

This species is not particularly easy to care for and naturally becomes enormous. However, care in an apartment is definitely possible with the right conditions. Buy Amorphophallus titanum 'titan arum' online!