Species skunk cabbage Guide

skunk cabbage

Symplocarpus foetidus

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cormlet Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Mottled maroon and chartreuse spathe, pale yellow to purple spadix Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering skunk cabbage should be done in moderation and should happen every 7 to 10 days. The plant should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged or saturated. If you are unsure whether your skunk cabbage needs watering, check the surface of the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water. Avoid wetting the leaves of the skunk cabbage as this could cause damage or disease. Additionally, water early in the day so the foliage time to dry before nightfall to prevent unnecessary water loss.

sunlight

Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) typically thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. Generally, early morning sunlight for 4–5 hours is ideal for this particular species. During the hottest parts of day – late morning through early afternoon – skunk cabbages should receive some shade to prevent them from wilting or becoming too hot. In order to ensure the healthiest and most vibrant blooms, skunk cabbage should receive some direct sunlight during late afternoon and early evening. However, they should not be exposed to long hours of intense direct sunlight or excessive heat.

pruning

Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. Pruning should be done gently and carefully, removing any broken, discolored, or diseased leaves, stems, and stalks. It is also important to remove any flowering stalks that have produced seeds, in order to control the spread of this invasive species. When pruning, only remove about 1 third of the plant's foliage each year. Skunk cabbage can handle more significant pruning, but this should be done sparingly.