Corpse Flower Plant Care

Corpse Flower (Rafflesia keithii) belongs to the Rafflesiaceae family within the Rafflesia genus. Corpse Flower is native to Sabah in Borneo.

Corpse Flower displays a large, parasitic plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Corpse Flower produces massive, foul-smelling flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Corpse Flower every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Corpse Flower thrives in partial shade. Avoid placing Corpse Flower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Rafflesia keithii tolerates temperatures of 70–90°F. Corpse Flower prefers humidity levels of 80–100%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Corpse Flower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Corpse Flower every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 partial shade and rich, loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Corpse Flower is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Corpse Flower can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Corpse Flower 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 shrub in one year.

Corpse Flower 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.

Corpse Flower can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to giant corpse flower plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Corpse Flower is susceptible to not typically susceptible to common plant pests. 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.

Corpse Flower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Corpse Flower is native to Sabah in Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Corpse Flower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.