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.