Amorphophallus konjac, commonly known as the Corpse Plant, Devil’s Tongue or Voodoo Lily, is an extraordinary tropical plant grown for its dramatic foliage and unusual flowering habit. Native to parts of eastern and south-east Asia, it develops from a large underground corm and goes through distinct periods of active growth and dormancy.

During its foliage stage, Amorphophallus konjac produces a single impressive leaf from the corm, but this one leaf is so highly divided that it can easily be mistaken for an entire small tree. A thick, upright, mottled stem-like petiole supports a broad canopy of branching green leaflets, giving the plant an exotic, almost prehistoric appearance. The petiole itself is particularly striking, typically patterned with irregular shades of green, cream and pinkish-brown.

Mature corms can produce the plant's remarkable flower before the foliage emerges. A tall central spadix is surrounded by a large, funnel-shaped spathe, usually displaying rich burgundy, purple and reddish-brown tones. Its dramatic appearance is accompanied by the feature responsible for its famous common name: the flower can produce a powerful odour resembling decaying organic matter. This scent attracts flies and other insects that act as natural pollinators. Fortunately, the smell is temporary and is strongest while the flower is at its peak.

After flowering, or when growing from a younger corm, the foliage emerges and remains throughout the active growing season. Eventually the leaf naturally yellows and dies back, at which point the plant enters dormancy. This is a normal and essential part of its lifecycle rather than a sign that the plant has died.

Amorphophallus konjac is a fantastic choice for collectors looking for something genuinely unusual. Its combination of spectacular foliage, rapid seasonal growth and one of the plant world's most distinctive flowers makes it a fascinating specimen to grow year after year.

Please note: Amorphophallus konjac naturally enters dormancy. Depending on the time of year and its growth cycle, plants may arrive at different stages of development. The distinctive flower is produced by sufficiently mature corms and cannot be guaranteed each season.

Amorphophallus konjac Care Guide

Light

Provide bright, indirect light to partial shade while the plant is actively growing. Amorphophallus konjac appreciates plenty of light but its foliage can be damaged by prolonged, intense direct sunlight, particularly through glass.

A position receiving gentle morning or late-afternoon sun can work well, but protect the foliage from strong midday summer sun.

Once the plant has entered full dormancy and the foliage has disappeared, light is no longer important until growth resumes.

Watering

Water regularly during active growth, allowing the upper few centimetres of compost to dry slightly between waterings.

Once the large leaf is fully established, the plant can use a considerable amount of water, particularly during warm weather. Aim to keep the compost lightly and consistently moist rather than permanently wet.

Good drainage is particularly important because the underground corm can rot if left sitting in saturated compost.

When the foliage begins to yellow naturally at the end of the growing cycle, gradually reduce watering. Once the plant has completely died back and entered dormancy, keep the corm almost completely dry until new growth appears.

Humidity

Average household humidity is usually suitable, although Amorphophallus konjac appreciates moderate to higher humidity during active growth.

Around 40–60% humidity or above is ideal. Good air circulation is beneficial, particularly when humidity levels are high.

Avoid keeping the compost excessively wet in an attempt to increase humidity around the plant.

Temperature

During active growth, temperatures of approximately 18–27°C are ideal.

Protect the plant from sudden temperature changes and cold draughts while it is in leaf.

During dormancy, the corm can tolerate cooler conditions than the actively growing plant, but for straightforward indoor cultivation we recommend keeping it in a cool, dry, frost-free location.

Soil

Use a rich but free-draining potting mixture. The corm needs access to moisture and nutrients while growing vigorously, but excellent drainage is essential.

A good mixture can include:

• Quality houseplant compost
• Perlite or pumice for drainage
• Orchid bark or another coarse component for aeration

A slightly richer mix than you might use for many aroids is suitable, provided excess water can drain freely.

Feeding

Amorphophallus konjac is a vigorous seasonal grower and benefits from regular feeding while actively producing foliage.

Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser approximately every 2–4 weeks during active growth, following the manufacturer's recommended dilution.

Stop feeding when the foliage begins to yellow and do not fertilise the dormant corm. Feeding can resume once new growth is established.

Dormancy

Dormancy is one of the most important aspects of caring for Amorphophallus konjac.

At the end of its growing cycle, the large leaf will begin to yellow, collapse and eventually die away. Do not assume the plant is dying. The corm beneath the compost remains alive and is storing energy for its next growth cycle.

Allow the foliage to yellow naturally rather than cutting it off while it is still green. This gives the plant time to return nutrients to the corm.

Once the foliage has completely died:

Stop regular watering and keep the corm predominantly dry.

It can remain in its pot during dormancy as long as the compost is kept dry and the corm is protected from frost. Alternatively, experienced growers sometimes lift and store dormant corms separately.

Eventually a new shoot will emerge from the corm, signalling the beginning of another growing cycle. At this stage, gradually restart watering.

Flowering

One of the biggest attractions of Amorphophallus konjac is its spectacular inflorescence.

Only a corm that has reached sufficient maturity and stored enough energy will flower. As a result, younger plants may need several growing cycles before producing their first bloom.

The flower typically develops from the dormant corm before the season's foliage appears.

Its large purple-burgundy spathe surrounds a prominent spadix. When receptive, the inflorescence produces its famous carrion-like scent to attract pollinating insects.

The odour can be very strong, so you may wish to temporarily move a flowering specimen to a well-ventilated area if the smell becomes overwhelming.

After flowering, the bloom naturally collapses. The plant may then begin producing its foliage for the next active growth stage.

Repotting

Repot during dormancy or shortly before new growth begins.

As the corm increases substantially in size over successive seasons, check whether it has sufficient space each year. Choose a pot that comfortably accommodates the corm while leaving room for further growth.

Always use a container with drainage holes.

Avoid using an excessively oversized pot, as a large volume of wet compost surrounding a dormant or developing corm can increase the risk of rot.

Common Problems

Leaf turning yellow: If this happens towards the end of the growing cycle, it is normally the beginning of natural dormancy. Gradually reduce watering and allow the foliage to die back.

Corm becoming soft: A soft or unpleasant-smelling corm can indicate rot, usually associated with excessive moisture, particularly during dormancy.

Brown or crispy leaf edges: Often associated with the plant becoming too dry, very low humidity or excessive direct sunlight.

No flower: This isn't necessarily a problem. The corm may simply not be mature or large enough to flower yet. Good growing conditions allow it to build energy and increase in size each season.

No visible growth: Check whether the plant is dormant. Dormant Amorphophallus can remain inactive for a considerable period before suddenly beginning a new growth cycle.

Toxicity

Amorphophallus konjac contains calcium oxalate crystals and should not be eaten in its raw, unprocessed form. Keep the plant away from pets and children who may chew or ingest it.

Although konjac is used commercially as a food ingredient, this involves specific processing and does not mean that a houseplant or its raw corm is safe to consume.

Care Summary

Light: Bright indirect light / partial shade
Water: Moderate during active growth; very little during dormancy
Humidity: Average to moderate-high
Temperature: 18–27°C during active growth
Soil: Rich, loose and free-draining
Feeding: Every 2–4 weeks during active growth
Dormancy: Yes – foliage naturally dies back
Difficulty: Moderate
Growth habit: Seasonal, corm-forming aroid
Pet safe: No
Special feature: Mature corms can produce a spectacular, strongly scented burgundy-purple inflorescence