Devil's Tongue

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Amorphophallus konjac (Devil's Tongue) – A Unique, Exotic Plant for Arizona Gardens and Indoor Spaces

Amorphophallus konjac, commonly known as Devil's Tongue, is a fascinating and exotic plant native to parts of Asia, including Japan, China, and Indonesia. This unique plant is renowned for its dramatic flowers and striking foliage, making it a conversation starter for plant enthusiasts.

Key Features of Amorphophallus konjac:

• Large Compound Leaf: Devil’s Tongue features a singular, large compound leaf that emerges from a bulb-like corm. The leaf structure appears as if multiple leaves are branching from a central stalk, giving the plant a bold, architectural form.
• Dramatic Inflorescence: The plant’s most notable feature is its inflorescence, consisting of a large spadix surrounded by a spathe. The flower is known for its striking appearance and its distinctive odor, often compared to rotting meat, which attracts flies for pollination.

Perfect for Botanical Enthusiasts and Unique Gardens

The Devil’s Tongue is an excellent choice for those looking to add an unusual, exotic plant to their garden or indoor collection. It is particularly well-suited for Arizona gardens that can provide well-drained soil and adequate water during the growing season.

• Intriguing Flowers: The inflorescence of Amorphophallus konjac is large and exotic, typically yellow in color. While the flower’s odor may be off-putting, it is intended to attract pollinators like flies.
• Compact Size: Growing to 1 to 2 feet in height and spread, this plant is perfect for adding visual interest without taking up too much space. It can be grown in gardens or as a potted plant indoors.
• Glucomannan Production: Devil's Tongue produces glucomannan, a dietary fiber used in food and as a dietary supplement, adding an interesting culinary aspect to its already fascinating botanical features.

Why Choose Amorphophallus konjac for Your Arizona Garden?

• Exotic Appeal: Perfect for those looking to grow unusual plants, Devil's Tongue adds an exotic touch to gardens or indoor spaces, creating a conversation piece for plant lovers.
• Seasonal Growth: The plant’s dormant period allows it to regrow from its corm each season, adding an element of surprise and renewal to your garden.
• Low Maintenance: While Devil's Tongue requires well-drained soil and regular watering during the growing season, it’s important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, making it a low-maintenance option for Arizona gardeners.

Blooming and Care

The flowering of Amorphophallus konjac is a rare and dramatic event, producing large, yellow flowers with a distinctive odor to attract pollinators. Although the plant may completely die back during its dormant season, it regrows from the corm each year, making it an intriguing plant to care for.

Planting & Care Tips

Devil’s Tongue thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. Ensure adequate water during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Handle the plant with care, as all parts of Amorphophallus konjac can cause skin irritation if touched and should not be ingested.

The Amorphophallus konjac (Devil’s Tongue) is an exotic, low-maintenance plant that brings a unique and striking presence to Arizona gardens and indoor plant collections. Its dramatic flowering, distinctive foliage, and easy care requirements make it a must-have for botanical enthusiasts.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Devil's Tongue

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Devil's Tongue is a spiny succulent that does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-2 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Devil's Tongue is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days, and in winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks