Konjaku Amorphophallus konjac
ABOUT
A. konjac is a tuberous perennial producing a single flower in summer consisting of a shiny, red-purple spathe and tall, paddle-like, brown spadix. It has an unpleasant smell to attract pollinating flies.After the flower has faded a single, highly divided leaf appears with bright green leaflets and a stout, olive-green stem with white markings
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae.
Synonyms
Konjac, Konnyaku, Elephant Yam, Devil's Tongue, Snake Palm, Voodoo Lily, Corpse Flower.
Common names
Amorphophallus mairei, Amorphophallus nanus, Amorphophallus palmiformis, Brachyspatha konjac, Conophallus konjak, Hydrosme rivieri, Proteinophallus rivieri, Rivieria konjak, Amorphophallus rivieri.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Weight Management: Konjac contains glucomannan, a dietary fiber that can help in reducing appetite and supporting weight loss.
- Digestive Health: The high fiber content in konjac aids in improving digestion and preventing constipation.
- Vegan Gelatin Substitute: Konjac can be used as a plant-based substitute for gelatin in recipes, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Low-Calorie Content: Konjac is low in calories, which makes it a good food choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.
- Gluten-Free: Konjac is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent food option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Culinary Versatility: Konjac can be used to make a variety of dishes such as noodles, jellies, and vegan seafood alternatives.
Medical Properties- Weight loss: The glucomannan fiber in konjac may help reduce appetite and contribute to weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Constipation relief: Glucomannan is known to be an effective dietary fiber for improving bowel movements and relieving constipation.
- Cholesterol management: Consuming konjac may help lower cholesterol levels due to its glucomannan content, which is believed to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
- Blood sugar control: Glucomannan can slow the absorption of sugar, which may help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- Gastrointestinal health: The high fiber content in konjac may improve overall digestive health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Konjac sponges: Amorphophallus konjac can be used to make facial sponges that are gentle on the skin and provide exfoliation.
- Plant-based gelatin substitute: Konjac can be used as a vegan substitute for gelatin in recipes for jelly, gummies, and other desserts.
- Vegan seafood alternatives: Its gelatinous texture allows konjac to be fashioned into vegan alternatives to seafood, such as imitation shrimp or fish.
- Noodle production: Konjac is well-known for making shirataki noodles, which are very low in calories and carbohydrates.
- Pet food ingredient: Due to its high fiber content, konjac is sometimes added to pet foods to help with digestion and weight control.
- Biodegradable film: Konjac flour can be used to produce biodegradable films for food packaging or other uses.
- Diapers and sanitary products: The high absorbency of konjac makes it a suitable component for the core of diapers and sanitary napkins.
- Crafting material: Konjac can be used to make a paper-like material for various crafting purposes.
- Thickener in cosmetics: Konjac glucomannan is used as a thickener and moisture-retainer in various cosmetic products.
- Special effects material: The gel-forming ability of konjac is sometimes employed in the film industry to create realistic looking body parts or other special effects that require a gel-like substance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Konjac plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Konjac plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: The Amorphophallus konjac goes through a significant transformation from its corm to a large flower, symbolizing change and the ability to emerge with strength and beauty from a dormant state.
- Resilience: Also known as the "konjac" or "voodoo lily," this plant can thrive in harsh environments, representing the ability to endure difficult conditions and adapt to survive.
- Mystery and intrigue: The plant's unique and unusual appearance, along with its rare blooming, makes it a symbol of the mysterious and the intriguing elements of nature.
- Uniqueness: As the konjac has an extraordinary appearance, it serves as a metaphor for standing out from the crowd and celebrating individuality.
WaterThe Konjac plant, commonly known as the Voodoo Lily, should be watered once the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry, averaging about once a week. During its growing season in the spring and summer, it may require more frequent watering, depending on the humidity and temperature of its environment. Typically, use about 16-32 ounces of water per week, ensuring adequate hydration without waterlogging the soil. Reduce watering during the dormant period in the fall and winter to monthly, or whenever the soil is almost completely dry.
LightThe Voodoo Lily thrives best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It should be positioned in a spot where it is shielded from direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. East or north-facing windows are often ideal locations for this plant, as they provide the gentle light it prefers.
TemperatureThe Voodoo Lily prefers to be kept in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but avoid exposing it to temperatures below this, as it could harm the plant. The ideal condition is a consistently warm environment without drastic temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning the Voodoo Lily is not typically required except to remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and health. The best time to prune is during the dormant period when the plant has finished flowering and the foliage begins to die back. Pruning is done as needed, usually once a year, to help conserve the plant's energy for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Voodoo Lily prefers well-draining soil with rich organic matter, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost. The ideal pH for Voodoo Lily soil is between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingVoodoo Lilies should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth, ideally when they are dormant.
Humidity & MistingVoodoo Lilies thrive best in high humidity environments, ideally between 60% to 80%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil for indoor Voodoo Lily growth.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, humus-rich soil, and protect from strong winds outdoors.
Hardiness zone
6-10 USDA
Life cycleKonjac, also known as Amorphophallus konjac, commences its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically requiring a warm and moist environment to do so. The seedling develops into a corm, an underground storage organ, which will become dormant in adverse conditions. During growing seasons, a single leaf emerges on a long petiole, and through photosynthesis, the plant gathers energy, which is stored in the corm. After several years, once the corm has amassed sufficient energy, it produces a large and often malodorous flower that attracts pollinators. Following pollination, the plant produces berry-like fruits, and the cycle continues as these fruits release seeds upon maturation. The corm can also produce offsets or "pups" that can be separated to grow new plants, providing an asexual means of propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Amorphophallus konjac, commonly known as konjac or devil's tongue, is through its tubers or corms. Propagation is ideally done in the springtime when the plant is emerging from dormancy. Gardeners should carefully divide the corms, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point or "eye." These sections are then allowed to dry for a day to form a callus on the cut surface, which helps to prevent rotting. The corm segments are subsequently planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), with the pointy growth end facing upward. The corms should be watered thoroughly upon planting and then sparingly until growth is observed, as overwatering can lead to rot. With proper care, new konjac plants will emerge from the corm segments.
