AMORPHOPHALLUS
(Araceae)
There aren't many people who haven't heard of 'Old Stinker' at Kew Gardens, an aroid, which flowered a few years back, drawing record crowds and attracting considerable media attention. The plant in question was Amorphophallus titanum. Unfortunately we aren't able to offer titanum at present but watch this space! We are however pleased to be able to offer it's relatives, Amorphophallus konjac and Amorphophallus bulbifer.
Now in some ways the Victorians were far more adventurous than we are today. They were fascinated by these strange and grotesque plants and delighted in showing them off in their planting schemes, using Amorphophallus for dot planting in parks and gardens. Fashions change and these plants fell from grace. In recent years our interest in the UK has been rekindled and although not easily obtainable, many aroids are beginning to reappear with the USA leading the way.
(Interestingly, the Victorians, for all their prudishness, didn't mince their Latin when it came to naming plants. Botanists of the day called a spathe a spathe. So, this weird, wonderful and frankly quite obscene plant came to be named Amorphophallus, literally meaning 'misshapen phallus'!)
CULTIVATION
Amorphophallus are greedy and thirsty during their growing season but need to be kept almost dry during dormancy. They require a humus rich soil and a weekly dose of a balanced fertilizer. They are happiest in dappled shade. Tubers should be planted approx. 10 inches deep in early spring.
OVERWINTERING
If you intend to leave the tuber in the ground, apply a generous mulch at least 6 in. deep and cover with bubble wrap or clear polythene. Alternatively dig up tubers and store in barely moist peat or sand in frost free conditions.
POT CULTURE
A recommended compost mix (as used at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) is 2 parts loam, 2 parts coir, 1 part grit, 2 parts fine bark, 2 parts medium bark and 2 parts perlite or vermiculite. This is a very free draining mix so be prepared to feed at least twice a week with a balanced fertilizer (we strongly recommend Miracle Gro). Decrease watering and feeding during autumn and keep barely moist in frost free conditions over winter. Look for signs of growth (usually late spring to early summer) and gradually increase watering.
