Amorphophallus is one of the most interesting and unusual flowers. In its natural habitat, it is called a cadaveric flower. He has certain varieties that are grown under artificial conditions.
From the history of appearance
It is not known for certain who first came up with the idea of breeding the largest flower in the world of amorphophallus as an indoor. Today, many fans cultivate it in artificial conditions. Many are scared away by the stench exuded by this unique plant.
Amorphophallus - a giant flower that affects everyone
It should be noted the fact that an unpleasant odor appears only when the flower is touched.
What does it look like
There are few people who decide to plant an amorphophallus flower in their home. This is probably due to the fact that few people are seduced by the "aroma" of decaying flesh in residential premises. Due to the smell, amorphophallus is rarely grown as a houseplant.
The flower belongs to the Aroid family, although many mistakenly believe that it is a special type of lily.
Interesting. Unlike most other plants, amorphophallus palm trees do not have periods of rest.
The name of the flower translates as "shapeless offspring." It has one more name - a snake palm or a snake tree. His flower was obtained due to the similarity of its trunk with reptile skin.
In this case, the flower is not exactly a flower, but a single petal of the original form, which is covered with numerous spots. It surrounds an ear of corn, the shape of which may vary significantly, depending on the particular variety of plant.
Common species
The giant flower has many varieties. The main ones include the following.
Amorphophallus titanic
Amorphophallus titanic (amorphophallus titanum) is a fairly high and very large flower. Its tuber, which looks a bit like potato, can reach 20 kg by weight. The ear of this type of plant can reach two meters in height and has a burgundy fleshy inflorescence.
Amorphophallus Titanium is a fairly common species among flower growers, but keeping it at home will not work because the plant is too large.
Curious. About titanic amorphophallus there are many interesting facts. So, for example, in Asian countries, this stinky plant is used as food. It is often used to add to soup. Tubers go to make flour for noodles. In this regard, in many countries of Asia it is called elephant bread.
Amorphophallus Cognac
The flower amorphophallus konjac is otherwise called the pion-leaf amorphophallus. It has a relatively modest size, oblate shape of tubers. The latter in diameter are about 20 cm. The length of the peduncle is about 60 cm, the cob is 50 cm. The inflorescence has a purple-burgundy hue.
Cognac has a more compact size.
Amorphophallus bulbous
Onion-bearing, or bulbous amorphophallus is most suitable for the role of a houseplant, since it is particularly compact in size. An adult flower continues to grow up to half a meter in length. This species is characterized by pale pink color and inflorescence not higher than 30 cm in height.
Amorphophallus Rivera
Another variety that can be grown as a home plant is Rivera. It grows to 1 meter. But this amorphophallus flower, when planted at home, blooms much more often. Truth never bears fruit.
Care Features
As with any other plant, the snake tree indoor requires some care.
Temperature
In the summer, the flower will feel great at room temperature. In winter, it is recommended to arrange the plant cool from +10 to +13 degrees.
Lighting
The largest flower in the world, amorphophallus, needs good lighting. Light must be diffused.
Watering
During a period of intensive growth, amorphophallus needs a fairly plentiful watering. At the same time, water should not be allowed to enter the tubers. After the leaves begin to turn yellow and die, the number of watering needs to be reduced.
Spraying
The plant requires periodic spraying. It should be performed at least once a week.
Humidity
Amorphophallus is moisture-loving. When growing a plant, this factor should be taken into account without fail. Low humidity is the main reason why a crop may stop flowering.
Priming
The soil for planting should be neutral or have a weak alkaline reaction. You can prepare the soil mixture yourself from the following components:
- sand;
- peat;
- sheet land:
- turf land;
- humus.
Most often, flower enthusiasts are engaged in cultivating people.
In addition to the above, it is recommended to add a small amount of pieces of pine bark or charcoal.
Top dressing
Start feeding the flower only after the leaves have fully opened. If you do this earlier, the fertilizer simply will not work - the flower simply will not absorb the nutrients. Formulations with a high phosphorus content are suitable for top dressing. The application of mineral fertilizers should be alternated with organic.
When and how it blooms
Amorphophallus is an amazing plant that is especially highly regarded for its flowers.
Types of flowers
The flowers of a snake palm are monoecious; they have no perianth. They are divided into male and female.
Flower shape
The inflorescence has an oval or elongated (depending on the variety) cob and bedspread. The latter is falling or non-falling, divided into a tube and a plate. The tube is cylindrical or bell-shaped, smooth inside or corrugated. The cover plate may also look different, depending on the particular plant variety.
Flowering period
A full description of the culture will not be complete if you do not talk about the period of its flowering.
At home, amorphophallus blooms for one to two months in the summer with an interval of three years. The flower remains open for a week. Flowering takes a lot of energy from a plant. At its end, even its underground tubers are significantly reduced in size.
Important! Young plants begin to bloom from the age of five.
Changes in flowering care
Care for a palm tree during flowering is the same as on other days. Do not touch the amazing flower. Otherwise, the very next moment will have to cry because of intolerable stench. The structure of the flower is such that touching it causes an instant increase in plant temperature to +40 degrees. It is temperature that entails a serious increase in odor.
Propagation Features
Reproduction of amorphophallus is possible in various ways.
Seed germination
Palm is rarely grown from seeds, since it is a very laborious and long-playing process. And the plant can bloom no earlier than five years later. If such a desire does arise, a step-by-step recipe for seed germination will look something like this:
- Soak the seeds for a couple of days.
- Mix garden soil, peat and vermiculite.
- Place the seeds in the soil mixture to a depth of 7 to 12 mm.
- Place the seed container in a warm and well-lit place.
Seedlings can be expected on average in ten days, another week later seedlings will give the first leaf.
Bulbous variety is often grown in artificial conditions.
It is not necessary to rush to transplant the sprouted sprouts into separate containers, many of them will die as they grow.
Rooting cuttings
By rooting the cuttings, the plant is not propagated.
Bulb Division
An adult bulb, on which there are several kidneys, is divided into parts. The procedure should be performed in early spring, after the appearance of small shoots on the kidneys. Incisions must be done very carefully, avoiding damage to the kidneys. The places of cuts must be treated with crushed charcoal, the tubers themselves should be slightly dried in the air. After about a day, planting material can be placed in the ground.
Growing problems
As with growing any other plant, caring for amorphophallus can cause certain difficulties.
The size of the flower is amazing
Disease
The plant is resistant to almost all known diseases. The only problem that may arise is bulb rot. Usually it provokes too much watering.
Pests
Pests are also not able to cause significant harm to the palm. Only occasionally on young leaves can a spider mite or aphid appear, getting rid of which will not be difficult with the help of insecticides.
Other problems
Another problem that can be encountered when growing this amazing palm tree is the drying of leaves. This usually indicates a lack of watering or light.
Interesting Facts
- Amorphophallus is sometimes called the voodoo lily.
- Due to the intolerant smell, people actively destroy the plant in wildlife if it grows close to their homes.
- When growing at home during flowering, palm trees are often taken outside. Being with her in the same room is not possible.
