What Type of Soil Do I Use For Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius?

Outdoor Garden Soil

• Amorphophallus paeoniifolia, sometimes colloquially called the voodoo lily or peony-leaved amorphophallus, is tolerant of moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It may be grown outdoors in sandy, loam or clay soils. For excellent root aeration, soil fertility and moisture drainage, both sandy and clay soil must be amended with organic matter. Loam also benefits from the addition of compost or rotted manure. Avoid bone-dry soils or those that become soggy or flood after normal rainfall events. An acidic to moderately alkaline pH soil is acceptable.

Potting Mix

• In cold winter regions, the peony-leaved amorphophallus may be grown indoors in a large container. Never use topsoil in a container. Topsoil contains microbes and other impurities that could lead to plant stress or disease later on. Moreover, topsoil has a tendency to compact and harden after a few cycles of watering and drying. Use a peat-based sterile potting mix that's enriched with 40- to 50-percent compost or other organic matter. The container must have a drainage hole to ensure the potting mix never becomes waterlogged. Once prepared, the potting mix should be near neutral in pH, but the amorphophallus is quite tolerant.

Seasonal Conditions

• Even in tropical regions where the drier winter months are quite warm, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius dies back its herbaceous leaf and becomes dormant for three to seven months. From fall to spring, when days are shorter and sunlight less intense, allow the cool soil -- between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit -- to remain in the barely moist to quite dry range. Cool, wet soil leads to rot of the corm, the bulblike underground stem base from which the plant grows. Once a leaf or inflorescence appears from the warm soil, between spring and fall, increase watering to maintain an evenly moist soil that's no colder than 72 F. High ambient humidity is needed during the warm times of year, too.

Fertilization

• Peony-leaved amorphophallus does not require a lot of fertilizing, provided the soil is already rich in organic matter. When the leaf is present from spring to fall, a liquid application of fertilizer, such as 15-30-15 or 10-15-10, is needed perhaps no more frequently than once a month. Err on the side of caution and follow product label directions for dosages of fertilizer. If the garden or potting soil is already replete with organic matter, there's less of a need for fertilizing.