FRIDAY, MAY 24 UPDATE:
Well folks, it’s been a blast sharing Horace’s bloom with all of you. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. Horace has finished blooming, and the smell has faded.
We’ll be moving him back behind the scenes at the end of today (Friday), where he’ll rest until the next bloom, likely years from now.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and waited in line, and to those who tuned in to the live stream.
THURSDAY, MAY 23 UPDATE
The response to Horace has been incredible! To give guests a heads up on wait time, here is what has been reported:
1 Hour in the Palm Dome
2 Hours on the Covered Porch
3 Hours on the sidewalk to the Visitor Center
4 Hours at the Japanese Garden gate
The line will be stopped at 4pm on 5/24. The line may be stopped earlier to accommodate closing procedures and evening events. We apologize for any inconvenience.
TUESDAY, MAY 21 UPDATE
MONDAY, MAY 20 UPDATE
Thanks to all the plant people who made it out this weekend, and our apologies that you did not get to see this guy opening up! Still watching and waiting. We measured the bloom at 52” this morning so there was a bit more growth overnight. We think the bloom could be today…or the next day?! Did we also say that a couple days ago? Yes. 😊
FRIDAY, MAY 17 UPDATE
Horace was successfully wheeled into the North Garden this morning. Big thanks to our maintenance department for fabricating a dolly to facilitate the move. Now he can stay on display and not stink up anyone’s wedding!
The measurement this morning was 49.5” so he does continue to grow, but not as fast. This is one sign that the bloom is imminent. Another sign we are seeing this morning is that the front bract is drying and loosening. This part will fall open before the spathe unfurls. Now we are suspecting that the bloom day will be before Sunday, perhaps there is even a chance it will be today! It’s hard to know for sure so we will be watching…
TUESDAY, MAY 14 UPDATE:
Today Horace measured in at 46.5” so the spadix is continuing its steady upwards growth. It won’t break any height records, but it is still pretty impressive to see the growth rate continue.
Plans are underway to get the plant to another location before the busy weekend so folks can continue to visit between 10 and 6 daily and check in on the live feed.
We are looking for the spathe (the ruffled part that will open) to start showing the dark maroon coloring seen on most of these blooms. Another way the plant tricks its pollinators into thinking they have found rotting meat!
We still think May 19 is the likely bloom-by date and the unfurling usually occurs in the afternoon or evening. Then the smell persists, coming and going somewhat with the heating up of the spadix, for the next 12 hours or so. After that the bloom will eventually collapse, after just another couple of days. Then we will bring the plant behind the scenes again to be repotted and hopefully gather energy for another future bloom!
This plant is not related to the two that bloomed at Como previously. Those plants, named “BOB” and “BOB, too” are no longer with us.
FRIDAY, MAY 10 UPDATE:
You may have seen (or heard on MPR) our fabulous Horticulturalist Jen, who is the main caretaker of Horace. If not check it out here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/08/malodorous-corpse-flower-bloom-como-park-zoo-conservatory
We’ve asked Jen to keep everyone up to date on Horace. Here is today’s update!
Here is the latest on Horace, the Corpse Flower sensation taking the botanical world by storm at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory! Horace’s growth spurt continues at a speedy 2.5 to 3 inches a day – talk about plant power! Today, we took out the measuring tape and found him stretching to a whopping 38 inches. But hold onto your gardening gloves – there’s more!
We noticed Horace’s ruffled spathe slightly moving away from the central spadix. I have been grateful to be able to consult with Stephen Jones at the United States Botanic Garden who has grown many corpse flowers. Despite our excitement, Stephen assures me we’ve still got about another week of suspense before the big bloom.
And here’s a juicy tidbit for you plant enthusiasts: we received not one, but two of these peculiar plants back in 2019. While Horace steals the spotlight, his sibling is playing it cool behind the scenes. The second one has not yet bloomed and is not even actively growing at this point. They both come from seeds from the same parent plants that were started at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
THURSDAY, MAY 9 UPDATE:
Get ready for the ultimate floral drama – our Corpse Flower is gearing up for its big moment after 7 years of suspenseful growth! Last fall, we gave its massive corm a fresh pot after its towering 8-foot leaf bid us farewell. Now, the inflorescence has emerged, reaching a whopping 35.5 inches as of this morning. We’re betting on a blooming extravaganza by May 19th, but you know how these plants like to keep us guessing!
As we eagerly anticipate the grand reveal, our eyes are peeled for the spadix, that central spike, to keep stretching skyward at a speed of about 3 inches per day. Meanwhile, the spathe – that ruffled outer layer – will soon dazzle us with its deep maroon hues. While our bloom might not break any height records (yet!), expect a modest 5 to 6-foot spectacle – still impressive, right?
Stay tuned for the stinkiest show in town! As we approach the big day, likely around May 19th, prepare for a nose-crinkling aroma that peaks late in the evening, just when you least expect it. We’ll keep you posted on all the fragrant developments – hold onto your noses!
MAY 6, 2024:
Get your nostrils prepared for an olfactory adventure like no other! We are thrilled to announce that our very own Corpse Flower, scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum and affectionately nicknamed “Horace” after landscape architect Horace Cleveland, is gearing up for a rare and pungent bloom.
This captivating event will mark the first bloom for Horace since arriving at Como in 2019. You can catch a glimpse of this botanical marvel up-close in Como’s Exhibit Gallery daily from 10am – 6pm. If you can’t make it to Como to see (or smell) Horace, tune in via a live camera feed available above. Watch as Horace unfurls its massive, unbranched inflorescence and emits its distinctive scent of rotting flesh, all from the comfort of your own screen!
Hailing from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, the Corpse Flower is a true spectacle of nature. With fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild, witnessing its bloom is a rare opportunity. This endangered plant’s lifecycle is as fascinating as it is peculiar, with a lengthy period of dormancy followed by the emergence of a large leaf that can reach towering heights of up to 15 feet. When the time is right, the plant produces its infamous flower, attracting carrion fly pollinators with its heat and aroma.
Join us at Como as we celebrate this remarkable botanical event and raise awareness about the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable experience, don’t miss the chance to witness the Corpse Flower in all its malodorous glory!
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