Voodoo Lily: The Plant with a Gigantic Flower and a Peculiar Odor
Introduction
Voodoo lilies, also known as Devil’s tongue, are fascinating plants that are grown for their enormous flowers and unusual foliage. These flowers emit a strong, unpleasant odor similar to rotting meat, which attracts flies that help pollinate them. Despite their exotic appearance, voodoo lilies are surprisingly easy to grow.
Types of Voodoo Lilies
There are several species of voodoo lilies, but the most common ones are:
- Amorphophallus titanum: This species produces the largest flower in the world, which can reach up to 10 feet tall.
- Amorphophallus konjac: This species has smaller flowers, but they are still quite large compared to other garden flowers.
Voodoo Lily Characteristics
- Giant flower: The most striking feature of voodoo lilies is their gigantic flower, which consists of a spathe and spadix arrangement. The spathe is a large, colorful leaf-like structure that surrounds the spadix, which is a fleshy spike that contains the reproductive organs.
- Unusual foliage: Voodoo lilies also have unusual foliage. Each bulb produces one stalk, about 6 feet tall, topped by a single gigantic leaf. The leaf is deeply divided into lobes and has a velvety texture.
- Rotting meat odor: The flowers of voodoo lilies produce a strong, offensive odor similar to rotting meat. This odor attracts flies, which help pollinate the flowers.
How to Plant a Voodoo Lily
- Choose a bulb: Select a voodoo lily bulb that is at least the size of a softball. This will ensure that you get flowers the first year.
- Choose a planting site: Voodoo lilies prefer to grow in full or partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that is well-drained and has loose soil.
- Plant the bulb: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the bulb and just deep enough to accommodate the bulb’s height. Place the bulb in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the bulb thoroughly.
Voodoo Lily Care
- Watering: Voodoo lilies do not need supplemental watering except during prolonged dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Voodoo lilies do not need fertilizer.
- Removing the bloom: Once the flower fades, remove it from the plant. However, allow the stalk to remain on the bulb until it withers.
- Winter care: Voodoo lilies are hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10. In cooler zones, you can lift the bulb for indoor storage after the foliage is killed back by frost. Store the bulb in a cool, dry place until spring.
Growing Voodoo Lilies in Pots
Voodoo lilies can also be grown in pots. Use a pot that is 4 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. Allow the soil to dry out before watering. In zones cooler than 6, bring the potted bulb indoors for winter, but be aware of its unpleasant odor.
Benefits of Voodoo Lilies
Voodoo lilies are not only fascinating plants, but they also have several benefits:
- Pollination: The flowers of voodoo lilies attract flies, which help pollinate them and other plants in the garden.
- Pest control: The strong odor of voodoo lilies can help to repel pests, such as aphids and spider mites.
- Medicinal uses: Some species of voodoo lilies have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as skin problems, digestive issues, and pain.
Conclusion
Voodoo lilies are unique and fascinating plants that are surprisingly easy to grow. With their giant flowers, unusual foliage, and peculiar odor, voodoo lilies are sure to add a touch of intrigue to your garden.
