Where is the sun???

It is another cold and dreary day here at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Saint Paul's Como Park. The lights have been on in the Conservatory all day and the windows have been tightly closed. The Amorphophallus titanum seems to be in a holding pattern--or is it just gathering its energy for the next burst of growth? We will know soon!

We are measuring the height of the inflorescence at 28 1/4", barely taller than yesterday. More of the spadix is showing today. The spathe is really starting to pull away from the base of the inflorescence. We can see more of the maroon color under the spathe where it grasps the tall looking center cylinder. Lots of words to say that it seems like we are continuing to move towards a much anticipated bloom!

We were fortunate to accept a timely donation today. A pot of what was identified as an Amorphophallus konjac (Snake Plant) arrived with it's keeper, wrapped in two layers of plastic and really stinky! It seems as if the plant had become an unwelcome house mate and needed a new home. It is now displayed next to the tiny titan in the Parlor, for all the visitors to enjoy! So if the smell of a dead mouse is appealing to you, there is probably another day to come in and enjoy!

Like trying to guess when a birth will occur, the day for this plant to bloom is also a guess. If we get some sunlight and warmth, maybe we could all be experiencing the Titan arum's exciting aroma towards the end of the week?

As always, stay tuned!