Zollinger's Rafflesia Plant Care
Rafflesia zollingeriana Koord.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rafflesia zollingeriana is a species of flowering plant in the family Rafflesiaceae, native to Java. Of three species of Rafflesia known from Java, this species has always been the most rare and restricted.
Partial shade
70–90°F
80–100%
At a glance
How do you care for Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Plant Zollinger's Rafflesia in partial shade (USDA zones 13b). It tolerates temperatures of 70–90°F (21–32°C).
Where Is the Zollinger's Rafflesia Native To?
What Is the Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Zollinger's Rafflesia (Rafflesia zollingeriana) belongs to the Rafflesiaceae family within the Rafflesia genus. Zollinger's Rafflesia is native to Java.
Zollinger's Rafflesia displays a large, parasitic plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Zollinger's Rafflesia produces massive, foul-smelling flowers.
What Light Does the Zollinger's Rafflesia Need?
Zollinger's Rafflesia thrives in partial shade. Avoid placing Zollinger's Rafflesia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Zollinger's Rafflesia Prefer?
Rafflesia zollingeriana tolerates temperatures of 70–90°F. Zollinger's Rafflesia prefers humidity levels of 80–100%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–90°F
Humidity
80–100%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Rich, loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Zollinger's Rafflesia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Choose a spot with partial shade and rich, loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Zollinger's 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Zollinger's 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.
How Do You Prune a Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Prune Zollinger's 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.
How Do You Care for a Zollinger's Rafflesia in Winter?
Zollinger's 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.
How Do You Propagate a Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Zollinger's Rafflesia can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to corpse flower plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Zollinger's Rafflesia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Zollinger's Rafflesia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Zollinger's Rafflesia?
Zollinger's 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Zollinger's Rafflesia Need?
Zollinger's Rafflesia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Zollinger's Rafflesia is native to Java. In cooler regions, grow Zollinger's Rafflesia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Zollinger's Rafflesia 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 Rafflesia genus — compare its care with other Rafflesia species on PlantoScan.
Rafflesia is part of the Rafflesiaceae plant family — browse all Rafflesiaceae genera and species.
Zollinger's Rafflesia produces blooms — browse other flowering plants.
More Rafflesia Species
Other Rafflesia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rafflesia zollingeriana Koord., family Rafflesiaceae (first published in Bot. Overz. Raffles. : 67 (1918)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Zollinger's Rafflesia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, 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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