Lawang Rafflesia Plant Care

Lawang Rafflesia (Rafflesia lawangensis) belongs to the Rafflesiaceae family within the Rafflesia genus. Lawang Rafflesia is native to Bukit Lawang, a small tourist village in Mount Leuser National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lawang Rafflesia 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.

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

Rafflesia lawangensis tolerates temperatures of 70–90°F. Lawang Rafflesia 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 Lawang Rafflesia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lawang Rafflesia 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.

Lawang Rafflesia is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 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.

Lawang Rafflesia 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 Lawang Rafflesia 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.

Lawang Rafflesia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

Lawang Rafflesia 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.

Lawang Rafflesia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Lawang Rafflesia is native to Bukit Lawang, a small tourist village in Mount Leuser National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia. In cooler regions, grow Lawang Rafflesia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.