The voodoo lily (Amorphophallus konjac), also known as konjac or devil’s tongue, is a plant known for its striking bloom and fascinating annual life cycle. Its lifecycle unfolds in distinct phases, each vital for its survival and reproduction. Understanding these stages reveals the plant’s remarkable adaptations.
The Dormant Corm
The voodoo lily’s annual journey begins with its corm, an underground storage organ that serves as the plant’s energy reserve. This flattened, rounded structure acts as the plant’s survival mechanism during dormancy. Dormancy occurs in late fall or winter, when the plant rests, drawing on stored energy. The corm remains inactive, awaiting environmental cues for its next growth cycle.
The Flowering Spectacle
Following dormancy, the voodoo lily initiates its flowering with a single stalk emerging directly from the corm. This unique bloom appears before any foliage, consisting of a spear-shaped spadix surrounded by a vase-shaped spathe. The spathe displays shades of purple to reddish-purple. Its strong, foul odor, often compared to rotting flesh, attracts pollinators like carrion beetles and blowflies. This intense scent, present for only a couple of days, ensures pollination before the bloom withers in late winter or early spring.
Fruiting and Seed Development
After successful pollination, the voodoo lily transitions into its fruiting phase, a significant part of its reproductive cycle. Small, berry-like fruits develop along the flower stalk. These clusters of berries transform in color, shifting from bright pink to vivid blue as they mature. This leads to seed production, a means of sexual reproduction.
The Foliage Phase
Once the bloom has faded, the voodoo lily enters its foliage phase. A single, large, umbrella-like leaf emerges atop a tall, mottled stem, reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet and spreading 3 to 4 feet wide. This complex leaf, divided into multiple leaflets, primarily performs photosynthesis, capturing sunlight to produce energy. This energy is then stored in the corm, replenishing reserves for future growth cycles. This active phase lasts throughout spring and summer.
Preparing for Dormancy
As the growing season closes in late summer or early fall, the voodoo lily begins preparing for dormancy. The large, umbrella-like leaf yellows and dies back. This signals the plant is redirecting energy from the foliage back into its corm. The corm then enters a period of rest, storing nutrients and moisture, ready to initiate the cycle anew.
Caring for the Voodoo Lily Cycle
Cultivating the voodoo lily involves supporting its annual life cycle.
- During active growth, provide partial to full shade or bright indirect light, avoiding direct, harsh afternoon sun. It thrives in well-draining, humus-rich, fertile soil, with corms planted 5 to 7 inches deep.
- Maintain consistent moisture during the foliage phase, but allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent rot. As the plant prepares for dormancy in fall, gradually reduce and stop watering.
- In regions with colder winters (USDA Zones below 7), lift corms and store them in a cool, dry, dark place at 40-50°F (5-10°C) until spring.
- For potted specimens, use sturdy, heavy containers to prevent tipping as the plant grows tall.