Troubleshooting
Rivieri Voodoo Lily problems — and how to fix them
Rivieri Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus rivieri) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Tuber rot in dormancy
Wet, cold compost during the winter rest is the commonest killer. Store the lifted corm dry, or ensure razor-sharp drainage if left in the ground.
Pungent flower odour
The bloom emits a strong carrion smell for a day or two to attract fly pollinators — expected, not a fault. Site away from doors and seating, or grow purely for the foliage.
Leaf scorch
Brown, crisped leaf margins follow harsh direct sun or very dry air. Move to filtered light and raise humidity around the single canopy leaf.
No flower for several years
Young or undersized tubers leaf without blooming. The corm must reach sufficient size and store enough energy before it flowers, so feed well and be patient.
Prevent rivieri voodoo lily problems before they start
Most rivieri voodoo lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for rivieri voodoo lily in general rather than its problems? Read the full rivieri voodoo lily care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Rivieri Voodoo Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my rivieri voodoo lily tuber rot in dormancy?
Wet, cold compost during the winter rest is the commonest killer. Store the lifted corm dry, or ensure razor-sharp drainage if left in the ground.
Why is my rivieri voodoo lily pungent flower odour?
The bloom emits a strong carrion smell for a day or two to attract fly pollinators — expected, not a fault. Site away from doors and seating, or grow purely for the foliage.
Why is my rivieri voodoo lily leaf scorch?
Brown, crisped leaf margins follow harsh direct sun or very dry air. Move to filtered light and raise humidity around the single canopy leaf.
Why is my rivieri voodoo lily no flower for several years?
Young or undersized tubers leaf without blooming. The corm must reach sufficient size and store enough energy before it flowers, so feed well and be patient.