Amorphophallus commutatus Plant Care

Amorphophallus commutatus (Amorphophallus commutatus) belongs to the Araceae family within the Amorphophallus genus.

Amorphophallus commutatus displays a large, solitary leaf growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Amorphophallus commutatus produces unique, foul-smelling inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Amorphophallus commutatus every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Amorphophallus commutatus thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Amorphophallus commutatus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Amorphophallus commutatus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Amorphophallus commutatus prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Amorphophallus commutatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Amorphophallus commutatus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to partial shade and well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Amorphophallus commutatus is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Amorphophallus commutatus can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Amorphophallus commutatus while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Amorphophallus commutatus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Amorphophallus commutatus can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to toad lily plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Amorphophallus commutatus is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Amorphophallus commutatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Amorphophallus commutatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.