Rafflesia arnoldii
Rafflesia arnoldii
Corpse lily
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Taxonomy
Family Rafflesiaceae · Genus Rafflesia
Description
Rafflesia arnoldii is the world’s largest individual flower—a leafless, stemless, holoparasite that lives inside Tetrastigma vines and briefly erupts as a massive, carrion-scented bloom. Stunning, elusive, and nearly impossible to cultivate, it’s a true rainforest marvel.
Common Names
Corpse lilyGiant padmaRafflesiaCorpse flower (not the titan arum)
Context
nativeRegion
Lowland evergreen rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo (Indonesia and Malaysia).
usdaZones
Not applicable for cultivation; theoretically ultra-tropical (12–13) only under controlled rainforest conditions.
companionPlants
Tetrastigma spp. (required host vine), Tropical understory ferns, Ardisia spp., Pandanus spp.
culturalUses
Conservation icon and ecotourism draw; featured in regional folklore and symbols of Sumatra. No culinary or medicinal use; protected where present.
Care
Care Requirements
LightDeep shade to very dappled understory light; no direct sun.
WateringNot directly watered; requires continuously moist rainforest conditions for the host vine’s root zone—never stagnant or waterlogged.
SoilHumus-rich, well-aerated rainforest loam around Tetrastigma roots; high organic matter and excellent drainage.
FertilizerNone recommended; relies entirely on host. Added fertilizers can harm the host–parasite balance.
HumidityExtremely high (80–100% RH) with minimal fluctuation.
TemperatureWarm and stable: 72–88°F (22–31°C); intolerant of chills below ~60°F (16°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitHoloparasitic, leafless, stemless plant existing as internal tissue in host vine; emerges only as a large flower.
Mature SizeSingle flower up to ~3 ft (100 cm) across and 15–24 lb (7–11 kg).
Growth RateVery slow; buds can take 6–9+ months to develop.
BloomingExtremely rare, irregular; bloom lasts ~5–7 days and emits a carrion odor to attract flies.
DormancyExtended endophytic phase inside the host, often for years between blooms.
Propagation
MethodsSeed inoculation onto living Tetrastigma root cortex (experimental), Habitat restoration with natural seed dispersal by mammals (in situ)
DifficultyNear-impossible outside native habitat and specialized research programs.
Best SeasonRainy season when the host vine is actively growing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningNone; avoid disturbing host roots and habitat.
RepottingNot applicable; cannot be grown in containers outside specialized research setups with host vines.
Pests & DiseasesVulnerable to habitat disturbance, root pathogens if conditions stagnate, and stress or loss of the host vine.
ToxicityNot known to be toxic by contact, but not edible; strong odor may cause nausea in confined spaces.
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