The plant commonly known as the “penis plant” belongs to the genus Amorphophallus. These unique plants captivate with their distinct characteristics, drawing curiosity from gardeners and enthusiasts. Amorphophallus species have a fascinating life cycle and a reputation that extends beyond their striking appearance.
What is the “Penis Plant”?
The term “penis plant” is a colloquial name, primarily referring to certain species within the Amorphophallus genus, such as Amorphophallus titanum, often called the “corpse flower,” or Amorphophallus konjac, also known as “devil’s tongue” or “voodoo lily”. These plants are tuberous perennials from the Araceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, and Australia. The common name arises from the plant’s distinctive inflorescence, which is a specialized structure rather than a singular flower.
The inflorescence consists of a central, upright spadix surrounded by a modified leaf-like structure called a spathe. In species like A. titanum, this spadix can be very tall, emerging from the ground. The spathe often displays deep purples or browns, creating a striking visual contrast.
Many Amorphophallus species emit a powerful, foul odor during their brief flowering period, often described as rotting flesh or carrion. This potent scent attracts specific pollinators, primarily carrion beetles and flies, which are drawn to decaying matter. The plant even generates heat to help disperse the odor over wider areas.
The life cycle begins with an underground corm that stores energy. From this corm, a single, large, highly dissected leaf emerges, resembling a small tree or an umbrella. It remains active for several months. After the growing season, the leaf dies back, and the plant enters a dormant phase. Flowering is a rare event, occurring only after the corm has accumulated sufficient energy over several years, with the bloom appearing directly from the corm before the leaf emerges.
Cultivating the “Penis Plant”
Cultivating Amorphophallus species requires specific environmental conditions for healthy growth and potential flowering. These plants thrive in warm, humid environments, ideally with temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21-30°C) during their active growing season. Humidity levels between 60-80% relative humidity are beneficial.
The plants prefer bright, indirect light conditions, mimicking their natural habitat as understory plants in tropical forests. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so a location offering dappled sunlight or filtered light is ideal. When grown indoors, artificial lighting around 2000-3000 foot-candles is suitable for growth and flowering.
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is crucial for successful cultivation. A mix containing peat moss or coco peat, perlite, sand, pine fines, orchid bark, and worm castings ensures moisture retention without waterlogging. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 5.5 and 7.0, is preferred for optimal nutrient absorption. Avoid over-potting, as too much wet substrate around the corm can lead to rot.
During the active growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist, but waterlogging must be avoided. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Amorphophallus benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every 7-10 days or every other watering during their growth period. Fertilization should cease when the plant enters dormancy.
Dormancy care is a critical aspect of growing Amorphophallus, as most species naturally enter a resting phase after their foliage dies back. During this period, watering should be reduced or stopped entirely to prevent corm rot. The corm can either be left in its pot with dry soil or removed and stored in a cool, dark, dry place, typically between 40-50°F (5-10°C).
Common Challenges and Solutions
Despite their unique nature, Amorphophallus plants can face certain challenges. One common concern is a lack of flowering, often due to an immature corm or insufficient stored energy. These plants require several years of vegetative growth for their underground corms to accumulate enough resources to produce an inflorescence, which is a metabolically demanding process. Consistent care, appropriate fertilization, and allowing the corm to grow to a substantial size over multiple seasons can encourage blooming.
Corm rot is another frequent issue, primarily caused by overwatering or poor drainage, especially during the dormant period. Excess moisture can lead to fungal or bacterial infections that damage the corm. To prevent this, strict adherence to watering guidelines, particularly during dormancy, and using a well-draining soil mix are essential. If rot is suspected, inspect the corm, remove affected areas, and allow it to dry before replanting in fresh, well-draining substrate.
While generally robust, Amorphophallus can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, aphids, thrips, and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the plant’s foliage helps in early detection, allowing for prompt treatment with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Disease issues, though less common, can include fungal problems like collar rot and leaf blight, as well as some mosaic viruses. Maintaining good air circulation, proper hygiene, and using disease-free planting material are preventative measures.
Some species may also experience issues such as stretched or weak growth if light conditions are inadequate. Providing bright, indirect light, as preferred by the plant, promotes compact and vigorous development. Proper pot sizing, using a container not excessively large for the corm, helps prevent moisture retention issues and supports overall plant health.