An Update on Horace the Corpse Flower!

Remember Horace, the superstar corpse flower that had everyone lining up for a chance to catch its infamous bloom this summer? Well, we have a Horace update for you as it takes on a very different form!

Behind the scenes in our tropical greenhouse, Horace has entered its vegetative stage. Instead of that dramatic, smelly bloom, Horace has sprouted one massive leaf that looks like an entire tree. Believe it or not, this giant leafy structure is still just one single leaf – hollow, surprisingly fragile, and branching out like nature’s coolest umbrella.

In the photo, you can also spot Horace’s corpse flower sibling to the left, still resting in its pot of soil, patiently waiting for its turn to shine.

This incredible leaf will likely last for about a year before dying back. Horace will need to go through a few more cycles of leaf growth and dormancy (senescence) before treating us to another bloom in a few years. The life cycle of these plants is fascinating – and we’re thrilled to share this journey with you!

While Horace is behind the scenes for now, we’ll keep you updated on all the exciting developments. Stay tuned for more leafy wonders!