Voodoo Lily

Botanical Name: Amorphophallus Atroviridis

Though the Amorphophallus Atroviridis is known as the ‘Voodoo Lily’, it is not a lily at all, but a perennial herb.  It usually grows to around 18 inches, so will accent a dining table or a coffee table but may not fit some end tables.  The Voodoo Lily has leaves so deep they are almost black surrounded by a reddish pink border, which – combined with their largeness and velvety texture – are particularly striking. When they flower in summer, they present with the classic 12-inch spadix in pink and white which has led not only to the Voodoo Lily being described as a lily, but also to the use of ‘phallus’ as a component in the genus name.  It’s the perfect plant for proving that goth and green need not be mutually exclusive.

As a tropical plant, the Voodoo Lily should be grown indoors in cooler climates and will require a high amount of humidity.  Although it needs to be watered regularly, water should be allowed to drain from the pot before the Voodoo Lily is watered again.  A well-draining soil (not too moist or heavy) should help with this. Like most tropical plants, the Voodoo Lily grows best in partial shade.

Plant Care

Part sun part shade

Moderate

Regular, very well drained soil

All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus, so guessing that’s a no then

The summer-borne inflorescence sits atop a short flowering stalk and resembles a small pink mouth like something from the film ‘Alien’