Sauromatum (Typhonium) venosum - Voodoo Lily


Sauromatum (Typhonium) venosum - Voodoo Lily

Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeUnusual colorIrritating plantFragrant plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

Rare variety of Amorphophallus ralative. Typhonium venosum, probably better known under its synonym Sauromatum venosum, is a common shade-loving house or garden plant from temperate and tropical Africa and Asia. Tuberous perennial with solitary, segmented round leaf and strange, arum-like flower. Collectable!
It grows to around 20 inches tall from an underground corm. A large T. venosum corm can spawn multiple new corms. Inflorescences emerge before their leaves. This plant is also known as the Voodoo Bulb because of its ability to flower from a corm without soil and water. An inflorescence has a purplish-brown-spotted, yellowish spathe and a purplish-brown spadix which emit a strong odor perceived as similar to cow manure, rotting flesh, or a dirty wet dog, depending on who smells the inflorescence. The odor lasts about 2 days, and attracts carrion-feeding insects which can pollinate this plant.
This plant is dormant from Fall through Winter, shipped as tuber, keep on dry side until it grows back its leaves in Spring.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, dormant bulb in winter
4 Plants in stock

Plant form ?
Small shrub 2-5 ft
Mature height ?
2-5 ft tall
Sun exposure
semi-shade
USDA zone ?
Zone 9-11.
Hardiness ?
Light freezing, 30°F for short period of time, mature plants. Young plants must be protected.
Flower color
Unusual color flowers
Growing conditions
Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone, Small backyard, Pot-growing, Indoors
Irritating or toxic ?
Irritating plant
Fragrance
Fragrant plant
More information

This item is certified for shipping to all states/territories, excluding: California, Texas, Louisiana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Arizona More info
California certification
Most of our plants are certified for shipping to California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, however, certain plants are not certified. Please do not order not-certified plants to addresses in these states. These plants may be added to certification in the future; please contact us for more information. Plant shipping to California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and some other destinations requires a phytosanitary certificate. The certificate cost is included into S&H.

Sauromatum (Typhonium) venosum - Voodoo Lily: Planting and Care Instructions

Plant Overview

Growth habit: This is a small herbaceous plant, growing between 2 and 5 feet. It is great for flower beds, pots, or small garden spots.

Growing conditions: This plant can be grown outdoors in the suitable USDA zone. It is well-suited for small backyards, pots, or indoor spaces with enough light.

Sun exposure: This plant prefers semi-shade. It grows well in places that get filtered sunlight or partial sun during the day.

USDA Zone: Zone 9-11. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map categorizes North America into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, each differing by 10 °F. This map serves as a basic guide for selecting appropriate plants for a region. However, it's not definitive; plant varieties vary in cold tolerance, and young plants typically need more protection. Additionally, local microclimates, like sheltered areas or sunny spots, can influence plant health and survivability beyond the general zone recommendation.

Hardiness: Light freezing, 30°F for short period of time, mature plants. Young plants must be protected. Plant hardiness indicates the coldest temperature a mature plant can endure briefly while staying healthy. This rating is a guideline and can vary among varieties of the same species. Young plants often need more cold protection. Additionally, a plant's survival can be enhanced by the microclimate of its location, which may provide shelter from wind or extra warmth, allowing it to thrive beyond its typical hardiness range.

Flower color: This plant produces unusual-colored flowers during its blooming season.

Fragrance: This plant is known for its pleasant fragrance, adding a lovely scent to gardens or indoor spaces.

Irritance: This plant contains sap that can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes for some people. While the plant is generally safe to handle, it's important to exercise caution, especially when pruning or repotting, as breaking the plant can release this sap. Wearing gloves and protective eyewear during these activities can help minimize any potential discomfort. Ensure that children and pets are kept away from this plant, as ingesting or coming into contact with the sap could cause irritation. However, there's no need for alarm - this plants can be safely enjoyed in your garden or home with these simple precautions.

Outdoor planting

Select a planting spot that fits the plant sun and moisture needs. Loosen the soil and mix in compost or organic matter to improve poor soil. Dig a hole just slightly larger than the root ball and avoid planting deeper than it was before. For better drainage, the top of the root ball can sit slightly above the surrounding soil. Provide temporary shade at first if conditions are hot or sunny. Water regularly and monitor soil moisture until the plant is well rooted. nAdd mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. Shape the mulch to form a shallow basin for water, but keep mulch away from the stem.

Indoor planting

Use a container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surface of the soil - avoid planting too deep. A slow-release fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time to support healthy growth. Place the plant in a location that matches its light needs, and water according to its care requirements. Be careful not to overwater, and ensure good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of pests and disease.

Protecting Plants in Winter

When it gets cold, some plants need extra help. You can move potted plants indoors or under a covered patio. Young plants need extra protection because they are more sensitive to cold and less established. For plants in the ground, use frost cloth to keep them warm. Stop using fertilizer in late fall so plants can rest. Try to place plants in areas protected from cold wind, rain, and frost.

Cold Hardiness and Microclimates

USDA zone and hardiness are only general guidelines. Actual cold tolerance can vary based on plant variety and local conditions. Even small differences between varieties can matter. Also, warmer spots in your yard—like near a wall or fence—can help plants survive cold nights. These little warm areas are called microclimates, and they make a big difference.

Outdoor and indoor planting instructions