American Skunk Cabbage Plant Care
Lysichiton americanus Hultén & H.St.John
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lysichiton americanus, also called western skunk cabbage (US), yellow skunk cabbage (UK), American skunk-cabbage or swamp lantern, is a plant found in swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest, where it is one of the few native species in the arum family.
Every 4–7 days
Part shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for American Skunk Cabbage?
Water American Skunk Cabbage every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it part shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the American Skunk Cabbage?
American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) belongs to the Araceae family within the Lysichiton genus. American Skunk Cabbage is native to swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest. American Skunk Cabbage is also known as Western Skunk Cabbage, Swamp Lantern.
American Skunk Cabbage displays a large, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. American Skunk Cabbage produces unique hooded yellow or white spathes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American Skunk Cabbage?
Lysichiton americanus requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American Skunk Cabbage Need?
American Skunk Cabbage thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing American Skunk Cabbage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Part shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American Skunk Cabbage Prefer?
Lysichiton americanus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. American Skunk Cabbage prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American Skunk Cabbage?
Rich, organic soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for American Skunk Cabbage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American Skunk Cabbage?
Feed American Skunk Cabbage every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a American Skunk Cabbage?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a American Skunk Cabbage?
American Skunk Cabbage can be propagated through division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to asian skunk cabbage plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American Skunk Cabbage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic 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 American Skunk Cabbage?
American Skunk Cabbage is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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 American Skunk Cabbage Need?
American Skunk Cabbage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. American Skunk Cabbage is native to swamps and wet woods, along streams and in other wet areas of the Pacific Northwest. In cooler regions, grow American Skunk Cabbage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
American Skunk Cabbage 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 Lysichiton genus — compare its care with other Lysichiton species on PlantoScan.
Lysichiton is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
American Skunk Cabbage copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lysichiton americanus Hultén & H.St.John, family Araceae (first published in Svensk Bot. Tidskr. 25: 455 (1931 publ. 1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: American Skunk Cabbage 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 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
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