There are plants in nature that both shock and delight people. Of course, such instances are not so common, and fans of various curiosities have to look for them.
One of these wonders of nature is amorphofallus, for the successful cultivation of which will have to stock up on knowledge and patience.
Amorphophallus: plant description
Amorphophallus - Tuberous perennial plant of the genus Aroid. When flowering releases up a long dark purple cob length from 15 to 100 cm Around the inflorescence blooms dark purple veil. The top of the ear does not form flowers - male and female beginnings are located in the lower part of the inflorescence.
Familiarize yourself with other members of the aroid family: alocasia, aglaonema, anthurium, dieffenbachia, calla, monster, caladium, scintidsus and spathiphyllum.The most common type of amorphophallus is cognac, the peduncle of which at home reaches 80 cm in length.
The leaves of this flower are green, tripartite, dissected, at the tips - with a slight sharpening. Under natural conditions, the leaves of amorphophallus reach 1.3 meters in length, house flowers are slightly smaller - up to a meter. Externally, the leaves resemble a palm tree.
Did you know? Because of the dark and light olive spots that cover the stalk and peduncle, this flower is called "snake palm" or "devilish language".
After amorphophallus ottsvetet, its leaves die off, and the next season grows even larger and more split.
Optimal conditions for growing in the house
Despite all the exoticism, amorphophallus is unpretentious, and taking care of it at home does not take much time at all and does not require much labor. The basic rule - the plant needs to create a comfortable environment. 
Location and lighting
Amorphophallus belong to light-loving plants. They love bright and diffused indirect light. Therefore, it is necessary to grow this plant where there is a sufficient amount of light.
Alokazii, anthuriums, begonias, hippeastrum, gloxinia, dendrobium, dracaena, kalanchoe, calathea, croton and monstera also belong to light-loving plants, the main feature of which is intolerance to prolonged shading.
Temperature conditions
For homey amorphophallus, as for most species of this flower, the optimum temperature is + 22-25ºC. At the same time at night, the plant loves a temperature of about + 19-20ºC. However, some species have their own preferences:
- AMP kiusianus (southern Japan) feels bad already at + 25ºC. When it is hot, the foliage quickly dries and the flowering period is shortened;
- amorfofallus bulbifer feels great at + 15-30ºC. At the same time it grows normally and blooms.
Home Care Tips
Comfortable temperature and lighting is not enough for the normal development of amorphophallus. He also needs a certain mode of watering and feeding.
Watering
In the summer, amorphophallus is watered regularly as the top layer dries. Moreover, watering is carried out until the water, having passed through the earthen room, is on the pallet. After 30-60 minutes, excess water is drained.
Important! Regularly watered the flower only during the period of active growth. After the leaves wither, they are cut off at the root, and watering is stopped.
Air humidity
In principle, the humidity of air for the development of amorphophallus does not play a big role. Basically, the plant is sprayed for hygiene purposes, but the flower loves it very much.
You can spray every day, using the settled soft warm water. 
Top dressing
As soon as the first shoots appear in spring, after 1-1.5 months (and every 2 weeks thereafter), the plant should be fed. First of all, titanic amorphophallus needs phosphorus. Before you feed the plant, the soil must be thoroughly watered.
Important! For this flower, experts recommend choosing fertilizers containing phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Moreover, it is desirable to use organic substances (manure or humus). If the tubers are large, add a bit of leaf to the soil.
Features care in a dormant period
In the fall at rest, amorphophallus is transferred to a cool (temperature - about + 10 ° C) dark place and only occasionally moisten the soil. As a rule, the flower rests for several months, and by the end of spring, the first leaf appears. Sometimes the resting season can last until next year.
If you have found that a giant tuber has rotted in a giant amorphophallus, it can be reanimated. To do this, remove the affected part with a sharp knife and wash the tuber in a strong solution of potassium permanganate. After this, the slices are sprinkled with crushed coal and left for a day for the onion to dry. Next, the tuber is planted in the prepared substrate. 
Store the bulbs in the ground can not. After the leaves are withered, the tubers are pulled out, carefully removed from the ground and looked around. In case a child tuber is found, it is carefully separated.
How to transplant
In spring, the tubers can be planted in larger pots. At the same time preparing a soil mixture, which consists of:
- sod or leaf earth;
- humus;
- peat;
- coarse sand.
Reproduction amorphophallus kids
The formation of the root system of amorphophallus begins in the upper part of the tuber, therefore, when planting, the bulb is deepened. Growth of roots is intense and is slowed down only when the top of a flower or leaves appears. 
For transplanting babies use small containers, adult large onions need more spacious pots.
Important! If the pot is not deep enough, the tuber may rot and become deformed. Narrow capacities hinder the development of the root system.At the bottom of the pot lay out the drainage layer (expanded clay or steamed bark), which will take away excess moisture and protect the roots from rotting.
Disease and Pest Resistance
In principle, amorphophallus is considered a strong plant. However, at a young age, it can be affected by various pests: a nematode, mealy bug, aphids, and spider mites. Since their presence in the soil can only be determined by the painful appearance of the plant, It is necessary to carry out such preventive measures
- The soil for planting must be decontaminated.
- Regularly inspect and separate diseased tubers from healthy ones.
Types of amorphophallus
In nature, there are about 100 (according to some sources - more than 200) species of amorphophallus, and in most cases they are common in a limited range. There are plants in size - dwarf and giant, and by habitat. Amorphophallus is also subdivided into evergreen species, as well as a change of active and quiet period. The most common are subspecies:
- Amorphophallus cognac. Differs a type of a tuber - slightly flat. The leaves of this flower are large - up to 80 cm, dark olive with light dark or light spot. The stem of the flower grows to 50-70 cm. Heating during flowering reaches + 40ºC. Primary colors are reddish purple and burgundy.
- Amorphophallus lukovitsenosny. It has a spherical tuber with a diameter of 7-8 cm. The only leaf is a dark olive stalk. The stem of a flower grows up to 30 cm.
- Amorphophallus Rivera. Tuber can be of different sizes - from 7 to 25 cm. The cutting grows to 40-80 cm, although there are specimens with 1.5-meter cuttings. Peduncle grows to a meter, and the cover - up to 30 cm.
- Amorphophallus Titanium. The largest and most smelly flower. It grows up to 2.5 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. Inflorescence - maroon shade.
Did you know? The roots of amorphophallus contain many useful elements and vitamins, and a high concentration of amino acids and fiber helps reduce the sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Despite the fact that some people are frightened by the incredible smell of a flower during its flowering period, many are fascinated by its appearance. Therefore, the right choice of variety, competent care and awareness of how often amorphophallus blooms will allow you to have such an unusual flower at home without any inconvenience.
