Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Plant Care
Amorphophallus longispathaceus Engl. & Gehrm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is known for its strikingly elongated spathes, which can reach up to 3 feet in length. Originating from the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its impressive size and rare beauty. Its impressive size and exotic appearance make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to partial shade
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Plant Long-spathed Voodoo Lily in bright indirect to partial shade (USDA zones 11a–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Native To?
What Is the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus longispathaceus) belongs to the Araceae family within the Amorphophallus genus. Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is native to the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines and the northern island of Borneo in Indonesia.
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily displays a large, solitary leaf growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Long-spathed Voodoo Lily produces unique, foul-smelling inflorescence.
Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Water a young or newly planted Long-spathed Voodoo Lily 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Need?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily thrives in bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid placing Long-spathed Voodoo Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Prefer?
Amorphophallus longispathaceus tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Long-spathed Voodoo Lily prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Long-spathed Voodoo Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Feed Long-spathed Voodoo Lily 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
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.
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily 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.
How Do You Prune a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Prune Long-spathed Voodoo Lily 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.
How Do You Care for a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily in Winter?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily can be propagated through offsets, seeds.
Is the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Long-spathed Voodoo Lily Need?
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is native to the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines and the northern island of Borneo in Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Long-spathed Voodoo Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Amorphophallus genus — compare its care with other Amorphophallus species on PlantoScan.
Amorphophallus is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Long-spathed Voodoo Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Amorphophallus longispathaceus Engl. & Gehrm., family Araceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 23C: 91 (1911)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Long-spathed Voodoo Lily is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
