Putricia Corpse Flower Update

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Putricia the Corpse Flower: A Blooming Update!

Hey everyone! So, you know how I'm totally obsessed with rare plants? Well, my absolute favorite is the Amorphophallus titanum, aka the corpse flower. And guess what? My very own corpse flower, which I’ve lovingly nicknamed Putricia (because, let's face it, it smells like death!), is showing some serious signs of life. I'm buzzing!

The Long, Slow Wait (and the near-death experience!)

Let me tell you, growing a corpse flower is NOT for the faint of heart. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve had Putricia for, like, five years now. Five years of painstaking care, meticulous monitoring of soil moisture, and constant worry. There were times I almost gave up. Remember that time I accidentally overwatered her? Yeah, I thought I'd lost her. It was a total disaster. The leaves yellowed, and she looked totally deflated. I was devastated. I’m talking full-on, ugly crying, “I’ll never be a successful botanist” kind of devastated.

But I didn’t give up. I researched, I consulted experts (I even joined an online forum – highly recommend it!), and I adjusted my care routine. Slowly, so slowly, she started to recover. It was a testament to my persistence, I tell ya! And, honestly, to the plant's resilience. These things are tough cookies.

Key Lessons Learned (the hard way):

• Drainage is key: Seriously, don't skimp on the drainage. Corpse flowers hate soggy roots. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes. I now use a mix of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss – it’s worked wonders.

• Don’t overwater: I know it seems counterintuitive, but these plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Check the soil moisture before watering – your finger should feel dry a couple of inches down.

• Humidity is your friend: These beauties thrive in humid conditions. I use a humidifier near Putricia, especially during the growing season.

• Patience, young padawan: Growing a corpse flower is a long game. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. It can take years for them to bloom.

Putricia's Big Moment (finally!)

So, back to Putricia. After all that waiting, the suspense, the near-misses – she’s finally blooming! The bud is massive! I’m talking seriously impressive. I've been obsessively monitoring its growth for the last couple of weeks. The pictures I've posted on my Instagram (@RarePlantGal) don’t do it justice. It is growing faster now. It’s incredible! It's like watching a science fiction movie unfold in real-time.

I'm so excited (and slightly terrified) to see what happens next. The bloom is usually short-lived – only lasting a few days – but the sight (and smell) are something else.

What to expect from a blooming corpse flower:

• A HUGE bloom: Seriously, it's massive. Think several feet tall.
• A distinct odor: This is where the "corpse flower" name comes from. The bloom emits a pungent smell, often described as rotting flesh. It’s meant to attract pollinators. Fun fact!
• Short lifespan: The bloom typically only lasts for a few days, so you have to be quick to catch a glimpse (and a whiff). I’ve scheduled a viewing party for my friends – because, obviously!

I’ll keep you all updated on Putricia's progress. Stay tuned for more photos and videos! And if you have any questions about growing corpse flowers, don't hesitate to ask. Learning from each other is the best way to support the hobby! Let's all become rare plant experts together!