How To Care For: Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae

Shop NOW!

Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae

Photo referenced: Inflorescence

How to Care for Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae

In West Java Indonesia, there are 2 climatic cycles, a dry period and a wet period.

Watering: Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae, like many other Aroids, love to be in chunky soil. These specie love water while leafing and during their wet season in West Java. They typically grow year round with intermittent 'rest' periods. Water frequently during their leafing cycle and during their wet season. Keep dry during their dry season and only water intermittently after the soil is slightly dry. Fertilize regularly for best results.

Soil: Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae, like many other Aroids, love to be in chunky soil. An ideal consistency for these types of plants is an approximate blend of 60/10/30 (Perlite/Sand/Coco Bark respectively). 

**We offer a refined selection of potting medium curated for this specie. It includes a rich mix of nutrients, including an instant release fertilizer, slow release fertilizer, fungicide as well as robust rooting inoculants to help keep this plant nourished all season long. Shop our specialized blends for this specie HERE!

**Do not underestimate how quickly these tubers can rot and infect the entire corm quickly and irreparably. It is more likely that one can lose a corm due to rotting, bacterial and/or viral fungi than dehydration.

Climate: Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae originate in West Java, Indonesia. In West Java, temperatures average between 72-82 degrees daily. There is a wet season (roughly Sept-Feb) and dry season (alternatively). During the dry season in Sumatra, it is important to note that the average rainfall is between 3-5 inches. The downpours are typically shorter and less frequent. Therefore, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings during the dry season is preferred for this specie.

These tubers can rot very easily with very rich organic soil (especially during their dry season and/or resting period).

In cultivation, while Decus-Silvae are leafing, they typically aren’t too fussy about the soil they grow in as long as it has good drainage. During the dry season, on the other hand, their tubers are susceptible to rot if the soil stays too wet and therefore, need extremely porous soil. Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae have a ‘resting’ period where they are not as active, but they are still growing, they are technically active year round (just not leafing). When actively leafing, they love a lot of water. Sometimes, it can be unpredictable whether a tuber will be resting on a wet or dry season; Therefore, it is safer to pot these in a porous mix year round. A chunky blend of 60/10/30 (Perlite/Sand/Coco Bark respectively) is what we use. 

*The goal for Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae Care is to keep these tubers hydrated without being consistently immersed in moisture during the dry season and/or resting period.

Sun: These specie prefer light to medium sun and a humid environment. 

Treatment: When a soft spot is detected, carve out the soft infected areas up until you see only fresh flesh of the corm. Then brush over Sulfur Fungicide Powder and leave in a sunny area so the wound(s) can dry and scarify quickly. Be sure to keep away from potential pest infestations.

If you find that some spots are taking longer to dry and have any concerns whether it may still be compromised, carve back that area as quickly as possible and repeat the treatment process in that area. Once, the wounded areas are completely firm dry, the tuber can be returned to the soil.

Photo referenced: Inflorescence

Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae is endemic to a restricted area of West Java, Indonesia. This specie is closely related to Amorphophallus Gigas. Both these species produce inflorescences atop a long stalk. When in bloom, the inflorescence of Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae grow to approximately 5' tall. The flower consists of a purple spathe and giant white spadix, which sits above the stalk that grows up to 8ft tall (see below). 

When leafing, this single leaf of the Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae grow on a petiole that can reach up to 12ft tall. This speckled petiole is comprised of brown, green, and white hues. These unique and organic shaped speckles boast quite an unusual and beautiful appearance.

**Below is a map that show the location of West Java relative to nearby areas. For your convenience, we uploaded a map of the area with relatively high resolution so you can zoom in and out. 

Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae is also informally known as the 'Penis Plant'. The odor of the Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae inflorescence is said to smell similar to that of rotting flesh. 

After blooming, the flower dies back and a single leaf, which reaches the size of a small tree, grows from the corm. The leaf grows on a tall stalk that branches into three sections at the top, each containing many leaflets.

Each year, the old leaf dies and a new one grows in its place. When the corm has stored enough energy, it becomes dormant for about four months. Then the process repeats.

Amorphophallus Decus-Silvae for Sale

Shop NOW!