This very rare aroid species grows in the tropical rain forests of Borneo and has one of the biggest inflorescences of the Amorphophallus genus. A bulb is formed below-ground from which one leave sprouts, which is after senescence eventually followed by a bigger leave. The leaves are umbrella-shaped and have a decorative spotted stem. In the tropics one leave can reach a hight of 3 meters, and can flower after many years, when the bulb is sufficiently big. The inflorescence can reach a height of 1,5 meters, and consists of a green bract with a red/purplish inner side and a big pink appendix. The flowers in the inflorescence are pollinated by flies who are attracted by a very unpleasant rotting smell. The plant flowers for only 2 or 3 days, since it costs a lot of energy. A short but impressive event. The species grows relatively easy as an indoor plant, where a well drained and constantly lightly moist soil is important. The plant usually has a dormant period once a year, where no leave is showing. Keep the soil lightly moist in the dormant period, and the new leave will appear eventually.

Sowing directions: Sow the shortly viable seed as soon as possible in potting mix. Keep the soil constantly lightly moist and let it germinate at 25-30 degC.


Photo 1: Sarawak Biodiversity Center

Specifications:

• Family: Araceae
• Scientific name: Amorphophallus hewitti
• Common name: Hewitt’s Aroid
• Native to: Malaysia
• Sowing time: All year round
• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius