Voodoo lily, also called Devil’s tongue, is a member of the genus Amorphophallus. After the leaf stalk withers, the voodoo lily bulb produces a flower stalk. The flower is actually a spathe and spadex arrangement similar to a calla lily. The blossom only lasts a day or two and it takes about 3 to 5 years for it to start the cycle again.

If you’re asking yourself, “how do I incorporate a voodoo lily into my garden?” know that these plants are the stars of the show. They perform well in the back of a bed or as the center of attention in nearly any plant grouping. Try grouping shorter sun-loving bulbs and summertime bloomers in front of your voodoo lilies.

Voodoo lilies can even be grown in pots: you can bring these weird and wonderful plants indoors or keep them on the patio! Many gardeners opt for voodoo lilies in containers, as growing them in pots makes overwintering easier. If you are growing a voodoo lily indoors, we recommend moving the plant outdoors during its short blooming season, due to the flower’s interesting fragrance.

Tubers will also grow large over time, so gardeners will need to repot these plants in larger containers. Repot your voodoo lily during the plant’s dormant period in the fall. Choose a pot that has plenty of room for the plant’s roots to spread. Take care not to nick or cut the tuber, which can cause fungus and root rot or even be fatal to your plant.

The voodoo lily grows heavy on top in comparison to the size of its stem. For this reason, it’s also important to place the corm in a sturdy concrete or ceramic container that won’t tip over easily.

Propagating Voodoo Lily

Voodoo lilies can be pricey plants when mature, but many nurseries also sell small offsets or tubers that are more affordable. Gardeners that grow this species from tubers may have to wait three to five years to see the first bloom appear on their plant.

The best way to propagate your voodoo lily plant is via tuber offsets. This process can begin once the plant enters dormancy. Gardeners should always remember to wear gloves when handling a voodoo lily plant, as all parts of this species are toxic. Here’s how to propagate your voodoo lily’s tubers to grow new plants:

Step 1: Carefully dig up your plant’s tubers and select a tuber offset to propagate. Choose a section that has at least a few healthy roots growing already.

Step 2: Using a clean pair of gardening shears, remove the offset from the tuber system and foliage.

Step 3: Fill a heavy pot (ceramic and concrete materials are best) with soil. Ensure the pot allows for drainage.

Step 4: Plant the tuber offset 5 to 7 inches below the soil’s surface.

Step 5: Water the soil thoroughly, then allow it to dry out before watering again. Place the plant in an area with temperatures above 60 degrees and maintain high humidity.

Step 6: Once new growth appears, fertilize the plant with a 15-30-15 ratio organic fertilizer diluted equally with water. Care for the plant as usual.

How to Grow Voodoo Lily From Seed

Voodoo lily can be grown from seed but it will take many years for the seedling to grow into a flowering plant. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Collect seeds from your voodoo lily or purchase them from a reputable online source. Before planting, soak them in warm water for at least 24 hours.

Step 2: In a tray filled with moistened seed-starting mix, scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly cover with mix or vermiculite.

Step 3: Cover the tray with a plastic dome or layer of plastic wrap and place it in a sunny location. Keep the soil warm and moist (not wet) while you wait for seedlings to emerge. Germination can take several months.

Step 4: Once seedlings show themselves, remove the plastic and move the plants to bright spot out of direct sunlight.