Sauromatum

Family. Araceae.

Origin. Tropical regions of Asia.

Description. The genus "Sauromatum" contains 6 perennial tropical plants with underground tubers up to 15 cm in diameter. The leaves are compound, on long petioles - up to 90 cm, basal, each leaf consists of 7 - 11 segments. The leaf segments are green, lanceolate, 15 - 30 cm long. Often, even before the leaves appear, the plant throws out an inflorescence - a spadix, surrounded by a large - up to 50 cm tall, dark burgundy-colored blanket with white specks. The flowering is very impressive, but the flowers have an unpleasant smell of carrion, which attracts pollinators - flies.

Height. Up to 60 cm.

Cultivation and care

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, sauromatum is kept at room temperature from 18 to 24 ° C; in the winter months, pots with tubers should be kept cool at a temperature of 8 - 10 ° C. 

Lighting

When grown indoors, it requires a well-lit place with shade from the scorching rays of the sun during the day. During the dormant period, the leaves die off, and lighting does not play any role.

Care

The bush is very unpretentious and will rather tolerate neglect than excessive attention, but it can only be considered a conditional houseplant. In the winter months, the tubers can be dug out of the ground and stored in a cool, dry place until new growth begins.

Substrate

Well-drained soils consisting of humus, sand and peat. 

Feeding

With the beginning of new growth, sauromatum is fed with complex fertilizers for flowering plants 2 times a month, diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended dose. This plant will appreciate organic fertilizers. Representatives of this genus will appreciate organic fertilizers. During the dormant period, additional feeding is not needed.

Purpose

Sauromatum can be used as a forcing plant.

Flowering time

Depends on the conditions of detention and the time of planting the tubers.

Air humidity

The flower can tolerate a rather dry atmosphere in living quarters, but during the growing season it will be useful to place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles.

Soil moisture

They begin to water sauromatum only when a peduncle appears. Watering should be plentiful when the plant develops, but the top layer of soil must be dried before each subsequent watering. After the leaves wither, the frequency of watering is reduced; during the winter months, the tubers should be stored in almost dry soil. 

Transfer

Every year, the nodules are planted in fresh soil at the end of winter.

Reproduction

Daughter tubers, the first flowering will occur in 2 - 3 years. 

Pests and diseases

Sauromatum tuber is susceptible to rotting if there is excess water.

Among the pests, the flower can be attacked by spider mites and aphids.