Amorphophallus atroviridis
$999.00
The Velvet Sentinel of the Shadows
Emerging from the limestone karst forests of Thailand, the Amorphophallus atroviridis is a plant of dark, architectural perfection. Unlike many of its cousins that focus on size, this species specializes in "mood." It features a singular, umbrella-like leaf of a deep, iridescent charcoal-green that is so dark it appears almost black—hence its name atroviridis (dark green). Its most striking feature is the delicate, glowing pink margin that outlines every leaflet, creating a "neon-edge" effect against the somber, velvet foliage. For the collector who seeks a plant with a bold, masculine presence and a touch of gothic romance, this is the ultimate statement piece—a sophisticated masterpiece of the dark tropics.
Growth Habit (How it Grows): This is a tuberous plant, meaning it grows from a bulb-like "corm" hidden underground. It produces a single, magnificent leaf atop a tall, sturdy petiole (stem) that looks like a miniature tree or a dark umbrella. A unique feature of this plant is its dormancy cycle: it will grow beautifully for several months, then "die back" to the ground to sleep as a bulb before returning even larger next season.
Exotic Foliage (The Leaves): The foliage is world-class. Each leaf is divided into leaflets with a luxurious, velvety texture that absorbs light. The color is a moody, matte obsidian-green, but the real magic is the vivid pink or reddish border that runs along the very edge of the leaves. The stem is equally beautiful, often featuring a mottled "camouflage" pattern of green and white.
Light & Color: To maintain its deep, dark pigments and that signature pink edge, it thrives in medium to bright, indirect light. If the light is too low, the plant may stretch and become weak. However, keep it away from direct, scorching sun, which will burn the velvet surface and cause the dark colors to "bleach" or turn brown.
Care & Maintenance: This plant loves a "well-draining but rich" soil mix (like a blend of potting soil, perlite, and a bit of compost). During its growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, as the underground bulb can rot. When the leaf begins to yellow and die off naturally, stop watering and let the bulb rest in dry soil until new growth appears in the spring.
Safety Note (Important): This plant is poisonous to pets and humans if ingested, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals. It is a sturdy plant, but the single leaf is its only "solar panel" for the year—if the leaf is broken, the plant cannot grow a new one until the next season. Place it in a safe spot where it won't be knocked over or damaged by curious pets.
