Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Dragon arum.
Dracunculus vulgaris
Pronounced drak-UN-kew-lus vul-GAIR-iss
Also known as Common dracunculus, Dragon Arum, Dragon Lily, devil's-tongue, dragon-lily
The dragon arum is a striking plant known for its massive, dark purple spathe and pungent scent. It grows from a large tuber and creates a dramatic focal point in the garden. You will love how unique its prehistoric appearance looks in a sunny border.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Perennial tuber
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 3 to 5 feet
- Growth rate
- Medium
Care
Plant the tubers in well draining soil to prevent rot during the dormant season. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which often signal that the plant is entering its summer dormancy. Ensure it has plenty of space to accommodate its wide, architectural foliage.
- Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season but reduce water significantly once the foliage begins to die back.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while the plant is actively producing leaves.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or yellowing foliage only after it has completely withered to allow the tuber to store energy.
- Repotting
- Repot or divide the tubers when they become too crowded or if you want to propagate the plant.
- Soil
- Well draining, fertile soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly alkaline
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
How to identify it
- Large, velvety dark purple spathe
- Thick, mottled green and purple stems
- Deeply lobed, palmate green leaves
- Distinctive foul odor when blooming
Science
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Dracunculus
- Order
- Alismatales
- Class
- Liliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Also in
Is your dragon arum looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.