Dracontium spruceanum

From: Mary Jane Hatfield <oneota at ames.net> on 1999.02.08 at 01:24:44(3012) Hello, I'm very new to Dracontiums so would like some advice. My Dracontium spruceanum is about 4 1/2 - 5 ft tall, depending on where I measure it. Over the course of the last month or so it has bloomed. The bloom should begin to fade anytime now and the plant's 3 part leaf (?) is fading. Would the plant be going dormant? Or should I unpot it with the boom still intact and see if the tuber is turning to mush and the plant dying. +More This is my first Dracontium of blooming size and only the second plant that I have. I just don't know what to expect. In Amorphophallus the bloom is all done and gone by the time the leaf petiole starts to grow. Any horticultural advise? Please. Thank you. MJ Hatfield

From: Aroideae at aol.com on 1999.02.08 at 03:47:42(3014) Dear Mary Jane, I've grown Dracontium spruceanum for a number of years and it has never gone dormant under my greenhouse conditions---min. temp. 60deg F in winter. At present, it is in bloom and has 3 leaves in various stages of growth or decline, and a new 4th leaf emerging!! So, it's my guess that your tuber is probably fine, but you could check it anyway. My plant has been in a condition exactly as what you describe and you'll probably soon see a new leaf coming if the plant is kept warm. I'd cut back slightly on the watering though, until you see the new leaf. Lovely plant!!! Very best, Lynn Hannon

From: Betsytrips at aol.com on 1999.02.08 at 03:53:50(3015) Mary Jane....it most likely is going dormant. Of course, there are two kinds of dormancy....living and permanently dormant, ie. dead. Be patient, I think you will find all is well. Do not over water and watch.......Betsy

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