Skunk Cabbage
symplocarpus foetidus
Also known as: ["Swamp Lantern","Stinkweed"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America, known for its unpleasant odor and thermogenic properties.
Benefits & Perks
["cold hardy","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Symplocarpus |
| Botanical Name: | Symplocarpus foetidus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or container in a cool, moist spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive; avoid heavy clay or sandy soils without organic amendments.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, acidic soil with high organic matter; resembles woodland soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring before new growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers dappled sunlight for 4–6 hours/day, especially in spring and summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter light if moving from low light; protect from direct sun to avoid scorching; ideal for shaded garden beds or north-facing indoor locations.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly when top inch of soil feels dry; ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging; maintain humidity around the plant.
Soil
moist, rich, organic soil with good drainage
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic, ideally 5.5–6.5.
Use acidic soil mix; keep soil consistently moist; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy in winter.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize less in winter; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or root cuttings; occasionally from seed, though less common.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide rhizomes carefully with a clean knife.
- Plant divisions at the same depth as the parent.
- Water lightly and keep humid.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins; after flowering when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture but avoid waterlogging.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division; rooting hormone can be used for root cuttings to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Rhizome division can be done immediately with established plants; root cuttings may take 4–8 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or pruners, pots, propagation medium, humidity dome or plastic bag.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; keep new divisions moist; provide warmth for root development.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back any overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; remove only necessary parts; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (1–2 inches in diameter) than the current one; ensure it has adequate drainage.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in a container with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; best when the plant is dormant or just before active growth.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; maintain humidity.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth in spring and summer; reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, compost, or well-rotted leaf litter to improve moisture retention and acidity; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in excessive heat; wilting or root rot in cold, waterlogged soil.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth or induce dormancy; prolonged cold exposure may damage roots if soil is not well-drained.
Solution: Protect from frost; ensure soil is not waterlogged in cold weather; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or premature flowering; may lead to dehydration if humidity is low.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Symplocarpus foetidus, particularly the roots and rhizomes, which contain irritant compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Symplocarpus foetidus can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. The roots and rhizomes are the primary toxic parts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSymplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The roots and rhizomes are the most toxic parts due to their higher concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Skunk Cabbage toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Why does Skunk Cabbage smell bad?
A: The odor attracts pollinators such as flies and beetles, which are active in early spring when the plant blooms.
Q: Can Skunk Cabbage be grown in a garden?
A: Yes, it thrives in wet, boggy soil and partial shade, making it suitable for water gardens or damp woodland areas.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
