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Titan Arum (Corpse Flower)

Published: August 13, 2026

Bob Smellanor, our Amorphophallus titanum, is continuing to settle into its current stage of growth. Its canopy is now almost fully open, and the stalk has slowed significantly in both width and height expansion. At this point, we don’t expect much additional movement until the plant begins to show signs of decline.

While Bob may be taking a break from the spotlight, there are still some fascinating facts about this remarkable species:

  • They can get BIG: In its leaf form, an Amorphophallus titanum can reach around 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Bob isn’t quite there yet!

  • A massive corm: The corm—the underground storage structure that fuels the plant’s growth—is considered the largest in the world, with some weighing more than 200 pounds.

  • Record-breaking bloom: The largest recorded Amorphophallus titanum flower measured 10.58 feet tall at Meise Botanic Garden in Belgium in 2024.

For now, Bob’s canopy is nearly fully open and on display, giving visitors a chance to appreciate just how incredible this plant is—even as we wait to see what comes next

Vegetative Anatomy

Vegetative State – In its non-flowering phase, the titan arum produces a single, highly divided leaf.

It is often compared to a pinnately compound leaf because of its structure: a thick petiole rises from the corm and supports a central rachis, which extends outward and gives the appearance of a branching axis. Along this rachis are many leaflets.

However, unlike a true pinnately compound leaf, this entire structure is a single, continuous leaf blade. The division is extreme enough to mimic multiple leaflets and even a small tree canopy, but it functions as one unified leaf dedicated to energy production between bloom cycles.

 

The Flowering Cycle

Image courtesy of US Botanical Garden

Fun Facts About Titan Arum

● The blooming of Amorphophallus titanum is a rare and unique event. It produces the largest unbranched inflorescence in the plant kingdom. The common name is titan arum, but is also called corpse flower.
● Amorphophallus titanum take roughly 7–10 years to produce their first bloom. After the first bloom, it may take another 3–5 years before flowering again, as the plant must store enough energy in its underground corm.
● This plant does not bloom annually. Instead, it cycles through multiple periods of vegetative growth before accumulating enough energy to produce its massive bloom.
● During its vegetative state, the titan arum can resemble a small tree. However, it is actually a single highly divided leaf composed of a petiole and rachis that supports many leaflets. This vegetative growth can reach up to 15 feet tall, often taller than the bloom itself.
● In the wild, blooms can exceed 10 feet in height, while cultivated specimens typically range from 5–8 feet. The inflorescence remains open for only 24–36 hours before the spathe and spadix begin to collapse.
● During bloom, the titan arum emits a strong odor of rotting flesh to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flesh flies. The spadix also produces internal heat, reaching around 98°F at peak bloom, which helps disperse the scent more effectively.
● Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, the titan arum is highly unpredictable, making each bloom a rare opportunity to witness one of the most extraordinary events in the plant kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does the bloom last?
This bloom will be open only for one to two days before the plant collapses into a dormant state.
When will it bloom next?
It will be several years before the Titan arum flowers again.
How long does it take to fully open? When is the best time to see it?

The titan usually begins opening in the afternoon or evening and then opens fairly rapidly over the next 10–12 hours. Within the first 1–2 hours, the spathe may already have opened 1–2 feet. A fully open spathe can reach 4 feet or more across. It is typically completely open by the early morning hours (around 2 a.m.), when its natural pollinators are most active. The spathe generally remains fully open for about 24 hours after opening begins. The best time to visit is the afternoon or evening that it opens, when the odor is at its strongest and you’ll likely see the greatest amount of fly activity around the titan. The following morning also offers the best opportunity to view the spectacular, fully open spathe.

When can I smell it?

The characteristic scent isn’t produced until the female and male flowers become receptive after the spathe begins to open. There are typically two distinct waves of odor, each corresponding with one of the flowering phases. The scent will linger even after the flowers are no longer receptive and the spathe remains open, but it won’t be nearly as pungent as during those peak periods.

Is there additional admission fee to see the corpse flower?

No! General Admission includes access to all current exhibits at the Conservatory, including the corpse flower in the Pacific Island Water Garden. Advance ticket reservations are not required.

Can I use my American Horticultural Society reciprocal membership to visit the conservatory and see the corpse flower?

Yes! If you have a membership for a garden in the AHS network, you can gain entry to the Conservatory for regular daily admission by presenting your membership card at the front desk.

We do not honor reciprocal admission from the following:

  • Cox Arboretum Metropark (Dayton)
  • Dawes Arboretum
  • Kingwood Center Gardens (Mansfield)
  • Ohio State University Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Garden 
  • Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation (Dayton)
  • Khron Conservatory (Cincinnati)

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