Voodoo lily (Sauromatum venosum)

• Latin name: Sauromatum venosum (formerly Typhonium venosum)
• Danish names: Slangelilje, voodoolilje
• English names: Voodoo lily, leopard arum, snake arum

Sauromatum venosum is one of the most spectacular and yet easiest species in the Arum family (Araceae). The species originates from a large distribution area ranging from tropical Africa to India and the Himalayas, where it grows in forest edges and open areas with distinct wet and dry seasons. It is closely related to Amorphophallus, Dracunculus, and Arisaema, but has its own unique life cycle that makes it a favorite among collectors of unusual plants. You can see our entire collection of Aroids here.

About the plant

The most remarkable thing about Sauromatum venosum is that it often flowers directly from the dormant tuber, long before the leaf develops. The inflorescence consists of a large spathe in greenish, purple, and dark red shades, which envelops an almost black spadix. During the first day of flowering, it emits a strong odor of carrion, which in nature attracts flies and other pollinating insects. The smell quickly dissipates, while the flower can remain decorative for several days.

After flowering, the plant develops a single large, elegant leaf on a sturdy, mottled stem. The leaf is palmately divided and can reach up to a meter in height under good conditions. During the growing season, the plant builds up energy in the tuber, which grows larger year by year while also forming numerous offsets, making the species exceptionally easy to propagate.

Tuber, plant, and dormancy

Sauromatum venosum has a distinct dormancy period. In the autumn, the leaf naturally dies back, after which the tuber enters dormancy. The product can therefore be sold either as a dormant tuber or as a plant in active growth.

A dormant tuber can flower, even without soil or water, if the flower bud is already developed. After flowering – or if the plant does not flower that particular year – the leaf develops when the tuber is planted. A growing plant is supplied already with shoots or a leaf and must be treated as an actively growing plant.

Cultivation and care

The tuber is planted in well-drained, humus-rich soil, with the top of the tuber covered by a few centimeters of soil. The species thrives best in partial shade or bright, filtered light, but also tolerates morning or afternoon sun.

During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist, but never constantly wet. Like many other tuberous plants in the Araceae family, Sauromatum venosum is sensitive to standing water around the tuber. Regular fertilization throughout the summer results in stronger leaves and larger tubers. We recommend a good organic fertilizer.

The plant grows quickly and can develop a significantly larger tuber in one season than it had at the start. At the same time, many small offsets are often formed, which can easily be separated from the parent tuber and grown into new plants.

Overwintering

When the leaf begins to wither, reduce watering gradually. After the leaf has completely withered, the tuber can either remain in dry soil or be dug up and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place at approximately 5-10 °C until the next growing season.

The species tolerates light frost briefly, but it is generally recommended to overwinter it frost-free to ensure stable growth and large tubers year after year.

An exciting collector's plant

Sauromatum venosum is one of the most rewarding species for both beginners and experienced collectors. The combination of the dramatic flowering, the exotic leaf, and the rapid propagation makes it a plant that quickly becomes a conversation piece. Its unusual ability to flower directly from a dry tuber makes the experience even more fascinating and sets it apart from most other tuberous plants. It is also available in a very rare "giant" version called "Indian Giant"

Note

Tubers are mostly sold in the autumn and winter period. Plants are sold during the summer period.

- The images are intended as examples of the species and do not necessarily represent the exact plant or tuber being purchased.