Rafflesia lobata Plant Care

Rafflesia lobata (Rafflesia lobata) belongs to the Rafflesiaceae family within the Rafflesia genus. Rafflesia lobata is native to the Philippine island of Panay, particularly the mountains of Antique and Iloilo provinces.

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

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

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

Choose a spot with partial shade and rich, loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rafflesia lobata 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.

Rafflesia lobata 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 Rafflesia lobata 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.

Rafflesia lobata 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.

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

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Rafflesia lobata 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.

Rafflesia lobata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Rafflesia lobata is native to the Philippine island of Panay, particularly the mountains of Antique and Iloilo provinces. In cooler regions, grow Rafflesia lobata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.