The “Beetlejuice Plant” is a common name for Amorphophallus konjac, a distinctive plant known for its unusual appearance and growth habits. Its appeal comes from a dramatic lifecycle and striking, often malodorous, inflorescence.
What is the “Beetlejuice Plant”
The “Beetlejuice Plant” is Amorphophallus konjac, a perennial growing from a large, underground corm. It is also known as Voodoo Lily, Devil’s Tongue, Konjac, Elephant Yam, and Snake Palm. Its association with the movie “Beetlejuice” likely stems from its dark, gothic aesthetic, especially the mottled stem and dramatic, dark-colored flower that appears before its foliage.
Native to warm subtropical and tropical regions of eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and Vietnam, Amorphophallus konjac is a member of the Araceae family. While relatives like the Titan Arum are known for their immense size and potent odor, Konjac offers a manageable yet captivating experience for home growers, making it a conversation piece.
Unique Characteristics and Life Cycle
Amorphophallus konjac boasts several distinct features. It grows from a large, flattened, globose corm, which can reach up to a foot in diameter in mature specimens. This corm serves as an energy reserve, fueling the plant’s growth stages.
When mature, the corm produces a single inflorescence in late winter or early spring, before any leaves emerge. This flower consists of a large, shiny, dark maroon to purple-brown spathe (a leaf-like bract) up to 3 feet long, surrounding a longer, pale green to purple spadix (a central spike).
The most notable characteristic of the flower is its scent, likened to rotting flesh or a dead animal. This strong odor attracts carrion flies and other insects that act as its natural pollinators.
After the flowering period, which typically lasts only a day or two, the plant shifts its energy to producing a single, large, highly divided leaf. This leaf emerges on a fleshy, mottled pinkish-gray and olive-green stalk (petiole) that can grow 4 to 5 feet tall, creating an umbrella-like effect with its numerous leaflets. The leaf remains throughout the growing season, photosynthesizing and replenishing the corm’s energy reserves. In late summer or fall, the leaf naturally dies back, signaling the plant’s return to dormancy for winter.
Caring for Your “Beetlejuice Plant”
Amorphophallus konjac thrives in warm environments, preferring temperatures between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25°C) during its active growth. High humidity is also beneficial, mimicking its native tropical habitat.
Plant the corm in a rich, organic, well-draining soil mix. A potting mix amended with perlite or other drainage materials is suitable, as the plant does not tolerate heavy clay soils or waterlogging. Position the corm deeply, approximately as far below the soil surface as it is wide, since its roots emerge from the top.
During the active growing season, water thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. This plant is a heavy feeder, so fertilize regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer or one high in phosphate to support tuber growth.
Once the leaf begins to yellow and die back in late summer or fall, indicating the start of dormancy, cease watering and fertilizing completely. During this winter rest period, the corm can remain in its pot in dry growing medium or be removed and stored in a cool, dark, and dry location, ideally between 40-50°F (5-10°C), to prevent rot. Do not cut off the leaf until it has fully browned.
Important Considerations
Amorphophallus konjac contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested by humans or pets. These crystals can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Propagation of the “Beetlejuice Plant” is primarily achieved through offsets, or smaller corms, that form around the main corm. These can be carefully separated from the parent plant during the dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring, and planted individually. While it can also be grown from seed, this method is less common for home growers due to seed availability and the longer time frame for germination and maturity.
Corms are available from online plant retailers, specialty nurseries, or through plant enthusiasts and swaps. Look for healthy, firm corms without signs of mold or damage.