Troubleshooting
Voodoo Lily problems — and how to fix them
Voodoo Lily (Sauromatum venosum) 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.
Strong carrion odour at bloom
The flower emits a powerful rotting smell for a day or two to attract pollinating flies. Bloom outdoors or in a ventilated space; the scent then fades.
Tuber rot
Watering the dormant tuber or leaving it in cold, wet soil causes rot. Keep it bone-dry during dormancy and use free-draining mix in growth.
Leaf flop
The single tall leaf petiole can lean in low light or wind. Give bright indirect light and a sheltered position to keep it upright.
Skipped bloom
An immature or under-fed tuber may produce only a leaf. Feed well during the leaf stage to build the tuber for flowering the following year.
Prevent voodoo lily problems before they start
Most voodoo lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for voodoo lily in general rather than its problems? Read the full voodoo lily care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Voodoo Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my voodoo lily strong carrion odour at bloom?
The flower emits a powerful rotting smell for a day or two to attract pollinating flies. Bloom outdoors or in a ventilated space; the scent then fades.
Why is my voodoo lily tuber rot?
Watering the dormant tuber or leaving it in cold, wet soil causes rot. Keep it bone-dry during dormancy and use free-draining mix in growth.
Why is my voodoo lily leaf flop?
The single tall leaf petiole can lean in low light or wind. Give bright indirect light and a sheltered position to keep it upright.
Why is my voodoo lily skipped bloom?
An immature or under-fed tuber may produce only a leaf. Feed well during the leaf stage to build the tuber for flowering the following year.