Araceae
Typhonium: Complete Care Guide
Typhonium
Grow Typhonium in bright, filtered light in a rich, very well-draining substrate. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings during the growing season, and significantly reduce watering during the tuber's winter dormancy. High ambient humidity (60-80%) promotes healthy foliage.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 29°C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Typhonium?
Typhonium (Typhonium) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Typhonium is a genus of tuberous aroids comprising over 70 species, native to tropical Asia, Mongolia, and northeastern Australia. These clumping perennials produce glossy, lobed, triangular leaves in medium to dark green, held on long petioles. In summer, dark purple or maroon spathes appear, often...
Typhonium grows up to 45cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 29°C, 60–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Typhonium?
TLDR: Typhonium needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Typhonium?
Water approximately once a week during the growing season, ensuring the top 1-1.5 inches of substrate are dry before watering again. During dormancy (winter), space out waterings significantly to prevent tuber rot.
How Much Light Does Typhonium Need?
Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which burns the leaves, as well as locations that are too dark, which will slow growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Typhonium?
Use a mix rich in organic matter and very well-draining: potting soil, peat or leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite in equal proportions, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
What Pot Should You Use for Typhonium?
Prefer a pot with large drainage holes, made of unglazed terracotta which allows the substrate to breathe and limits excess moisture around the tuber.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Typhonium and Where Does It Come From?
Typhonium is a genus of tuberous aroids comprising over 70 species, native to tropical Asia, Mongolia, and northeastern Australia. These clumping perennials produce glossy, lobed, triangular leaves in medium to dark green, held on long petioles. In summer, dark purple or maroon spathes appear, often malodorous, which is typical of the Araceae family. The plant enters dormancy in winter, losing its foliage until the following spring.
How Big Does Typhonium Grow?
TLDR: Typhonium can reach up to 45cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
45cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Typhonium?
TLDR: Typhonium is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Like many tuberous aroids, Typhonium evokes resilience and the cycle of renewal, disappearing and then being reborn each year from its underground tuber.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
