Philippine Rafflesia Plant Care

Philippine Rafflesia (Rafflesia philippensis) belongs to the Rafflesiaceae family within the Rafflesia genus. Philippine Rafflesia is native to Philippines.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Philippine Rafflesia every 15–30 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.

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

Rafflesia philippensis tolerates temperatures of 70–90°F. Philippine 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 Philippine Rafflesia 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.

Philippine Rafflesia 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.

Philippine 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 Philippine 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.

Philippine Rafflesia 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.

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

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Philippine 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.

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