The snake tree, also called amorphophallus, got its name because of its specific appearance. Its name translates as "escape without form." The plant belongs to the aroid family, in which there are more than 120 different species.
Amorphophallus grows well in Africa, Australia, Asia and other countries with a tropical climate.
Appearance
It has a thick, spotty-colored trunk that resembles snake skin. Only one flower, consisting of a large carved leaf, which reaches 1 meter across, blooms. Like the trunk, it is covered with spots. After flowering, the snake tree drops it.
The flowering period, which lasts 2-3 months, begins in spring, as in many other plants. It releases an inflorescence in the form of an arrow, which is covered with a sheet of red-brown color.
Amorphophallus scent
The snake tree exudes a fetid aroma of meat at the stage of decay and decayed eggs. In this way, it attracts flies that act as pollinators. Because of this, the people nicknamed him "a cadaverous flower." The indoor snake tree stinks only when it blooms, the rest of the time it does not smell. In the conditions of apartment "living" it rarely blooms, about once every 3-4 years. The plant exudes the strongest smell in the first three days of flowering, and after its “aroma” decreases and disappears completely.
Growing
Snake tree is a houseplant, it is unpretentious in care and does not require special conditions for growth. Amorphophallus loves light and moisture. It can be placed next to the window and watered more often, so you will create optimal conditions for it. At the time of active growth it needs to be fertilized with special fertilizing. The tuber should be planted immediately in a large and deep floor pot, half filled with earth. As you grow, you need to add small layers of earth mixed with fertilizers. Abundant watering is required at the time of active growth and during flowering periods, after its completion, the amount of moisture must be reduced.
Top dressing should contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (mineral). These elements are required by the tree during the growth period. It is also necessary to use organic fertilizers. Mullein and humus are perfect for this.
In the process of growth it is necessary to monitor the condition of the plant. It can be affected by certain diseases, such as aphids, spider mites and scale insects. When you find them, the plant must be treated with special tools that can be purchased in stores.
Breeding
The snake tree is bred with tubers. They should be separated in the fall with great care so as not to damage the baby. If nevertheless this happened, then the tuber should be disinfected in a moderate solution of potassium permanganate. They should be stored in foam or cardboard boxes in a dark and cool place (5–9 degrees Celsius). In the spring, around the beginning of March, when the average air temperature reaches 18–22 degrees, they can be planted.
Before planting, tubers do not need to be germinated; sprouts appear after planting in the ground.
An interesting fact is that daughter tubers of the snake tree are actively used in Chinese medicine. Of these, a cancer remedy is prepared.
Interesting folk names
For its appearance and the smell exuded by the plant, people are called by different names, sometimes very strange nicknames are found.
Lily Voodoo, serpentine palm , devil's tongue , dead man's flower, shapeless penis and others - these are all the names of one tree.
The tree is very beautiful at any time. Its huge flower will not leave anyone indifferent. Of course, it has a minus in the form of an unpleasant odor, but it appears only during the first week of flowering. A flower pleases everyone with its beauty for 2-3 months. Therefore, you can see it in all its glory and not inhale its smell.