Why does Horace have a window? Click HERE and Horticultualist Jen will explain.
🌺 An Ode To Horace 🌺
It is with equal parts gratitude and sadness that we announce Horace the Corpse Flower has completed his 2026 bloom and will return behind the scenes at the end of the day, June 9, 2026.
After spending the better part of two years quietly growing behind the scenes, Horace emerged once again to remind us that patience is rewarded, nature is unpredictable, and sometimes the most celebrated thing in the room smells exactly like something that shouldn’t be in the room.
Over the course of his brief bloom, Horace welcomed thousands of visitors who lined up for the chance to witness one of the rarest events in the plant world. More than 5,000 people came to see him during his peak, proving that curiosity is a powerful force and that Minnesotans are willing to stand in line for just about anything if it is unusual enough.
For a short time, Horace transformed a quiet passageway in the Conservatory into the hottest ticket in town. Visitors traveled from across Minnesota and beyond to see his towering bloom, admire his deep burgundy spathe, and experience the unforgettable aroma that earned him the title of Corpse Flower.
As quickly as it began, the show is now coming to an end.
The spathe that opened so dramatically has begun to close. The scent that turned heads and wrinkled noses has faded. The crowds have dispersed. Horace, having accomplished exactly what nature intended, is ready for some well-deserved rest.
While his bloom lasted only a few days, the excitement it generated will be remembered for years. Horace gave thousands of people a reason to visit, learn, laugh, take photos, ask questions, and marvel at the strange and wonderful diversity of the natural world.
To everyone who visited, followed the updates, shared photos, purchased merchandise, or simply stopped by to see what all the fuss (and smell) was about, thank you.
As for Horace, his future remains unwritten. Corpse Flowers bloom on their own schedule, not ours. Whether it takes two years, five years, or longer, we know one thing for certain:
When Horace decides it’s time for an encore, we’ll be ready.
Rest easy, Horace. You’ve certainly earned it. The Conservatory smells noticeably better already.
🌺 Horace Update – Monday, June 8, 10am 🌺
As all good things must come to an end, Horace is beginning to close up.
While the bloom is no longer at its peak, a faint odor is still lingering in the air, and visitors can continue to stop by and see this remarkable plant as it begins the next stage of its journey.
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who came out over the past few days. More than 4,000 visitors joined us to experience Horace, and we are incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm, patience, and willingness to wait in line to witness this rare event. You made Horace’s bloom one to remember!
The story isn’t over yet.
📺 Tune in to FOX 9 tomorrow morning at 9:15 a.m. when Garden Guy Dale K will be joined by Como horticulturist Jen for a special live look inside Horace.
During the segment, they will carefully cut a small window into the base of the spathe, the large petal-like outer sheath surrounding the bloom. This will reveal the inflorescence hidden inside, a fascinating structure containing hundreds of tiny individual flowers.
It’s a rare opportunity to see what lies beneath one of the world’s most unusual blooms.
Thank you again for following along on Horace’s journey! 🌺
[Sunday, June 7, 8pm] What a day!
More than 4,300 visitors came to Como today to experience Horace the Corpse Flower in bloom. Thank you to everyone who waited patiently, shared in the excitement, and helped make this rare event so memorable.
Did you take photos of Horace? We’d love to see them! Share your pictures on social media and tag #HoraceTheCorpseFlower.
On Monday, June 8, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will resume regular hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors wishing to see Horace should continue to enter through the Japanese Garden gates on Estabrook Drive, where staff and volunteers will be available to help guide guests.
Corpse Flower blooms typically last only 24 to 48 hours, with the strongest odor occurring during the first day of bloom. We’re hopeful there is still a little more bloom and a little more stink left in ol’ Horace.
Stay tuned for additional updates as Horace continues this remarkable botanical performance.
Horace Update: Sunday, June 7, 8:30 a.m.
Horace is officially open, but due to the tremdous responce, we will need to cut off the line at 5pm. Everyone in line at 5pm will be able to see Horace.
As of this morning, Horace the Corpse Flower is open, fragrant, and putting on quite a show. The bloom continued to unfurl overnight and may continue opening throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to witness one of nature’s most unusual botanical events.
To give visitors extra time to enjoy this short-lived event, early access begins at 8:30 a.m. today.
Visitor Information
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- Enter through the Japanese Garden gate on Estabrook Drive
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- Horace viewing opens at 8:30 a.m.
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- The remainder of the Conservatory and Zoo will open at their regular time of 10:00 a.m.
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- Staff and volunteers will be on site to help guide visitors and answer questions
Please be prepared for a wait. Corpse Flower blooms attract large crowds, and visitors should expect to spend some time outdoors before entering the viewing area.
💧 Bring a water bottle
☀️ Wear sunscreen
☂️ Consider bringing an umbrella for shade
We’ll do our best to keep the line moving and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Corpse Flower blooms typically last only 24 to 48 hours, with the strongest odor occurring during the first day of bloom. As always, admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free.
We look forward to welcoming you to this rare botanical event!
Horace Update: The Bloom Has Begun!
[Saturday, June 6, 7pm] The wait is almost over.
At approximately 4:00 p.m. today, Como horticulturists confirmed that Horace, our Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), has officially begun to bloom. By the time staff checked on him again at 6:30 p.m., the massive flower was noticeably unfurling and continuing to open.
Because Horace’s bloom is expected to intensify overnight and into tomorrow morning, we will provide early access for visitors hoping to experience this rare event.
Special Early Opening Saturday
Beginning at 8:30 a.m., visitors will be able to enter the viewing area to see and smell Horace as he continues his bloom.
Please note:
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- Entry will be through the Japanese Garden gates on Estabrook Drive.
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- Only the Horace viewing area will be open at 8:30 a.m.
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- The remainder of the Conservatory and Zoo will open at their regular time of 10:00 a.m.
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- Staff and volunteers will be on site to assist with directions and answer questions.
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- Expect some time outdoors while waiting to see Horace. We recommend bringing a water bottle, wearing sunscreen, and packing an umbrella for shade. We’ll do our best to keep the line moving!
Corpse Flower blooms typically last only 24 to 48 hours, making this a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most unusual botanical events. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the strongest odor often occurs during the first day of bloom.
Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is always free, and special Horace merchandise will be available while supplies last.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for additional updates as Horace continues to open.
[Saturday, June 6, 9:30am] Horace Update: Corpse Flower Bloom Watch Continues
Horace, Como’s famous Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), continues to make progress as we monitor what could be another spectacular bloom event in the coming days.
Horace can be found in the passageway between the Palm Dome and the Bonsai Pavilion, where visitors can now get an up-close look at the plant as it enters its final stages of development.
While there is still no exact timetable for the bloom, horticulturists continue to closely monitor Horace’s growth and will provide updates as conditions change.
What to Expect During the Bloom
Once Horace begins to open, special visitor routing will be implemented to help accommodate increased attendance and provide the best possible viewing experience.
Visitors will enter through the Japanese Garden gate on Estabrook Drive and proceed through the Bonsai Pavilion, where exclusive Corpse Flower merchandise will be available. From there, guests will continue into the Ordway Gardens passageway to view (and smell) Horace.
After seeing (and smelling) the bloom, visitors will exit through the Palm Dome and may continue exploring the rest of the Conservatory. Restrooms will remain available, and staff and volunteers will be stationed throughout the area to assist guests, answer questions, and help manage visitor flow.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be open 10am – 6pm. daily.
Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is always free, although voluntary donations help support the care of the plants and animals that call Como home.
Stay tuned to Como’s website and social media channels for the latest Horace updates.
[Friday, June 5] Visitors to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory have another chance to witness one of nature’s rarest and most unusual botanical events.
Horace, Como’s famous Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), is preparing to bloom once again and could begin opening within days.
After spending the last two years growing behind the scenes, Horace has been moved into the Ordway Gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory where guests can watch the final stages of development and experience the bloom when it occurs.
“This flower is developing faster than we anticipated,” said Como horticulturists who have been closely monitoring Horace’s progress. “The protective outer covering has now fallen away from the flower, revealing color along the edges of the spathe. Based on what we’re seeing, it’s possible Horace could begin opening as early as this weekend.”
As of this week, Horace stands 52 inches tall, just one inch shorter than when the plant flowered for the first time two years ago. During its previous bloom, the flower opened seven days after the outer covering dropped away. Other institutions, including the United States Botanic Garden, have reported their Corpse Flowers typically open two to three days after reaching this stage.
Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, the Corpse Flower is famous for producing one of the largest flowering structures in the plant kingdom. The plant is equally well known for the odor it releases during bloom, often compared to rotting meat. The scent helps attract carrion beetles and flesh flies, the insects responsible for pollinating the flower in the wild.
A Corpse Flower bloom is both rare and short-lived. Plants may take years between flowering events, and once open, the bloom typically lasts only 24 to 48 hours.
Guests are encouraged to visit soon and follow Como’s social media channels for bloom updates. While predicting the exact timing of a Corpse Flower bloom is notoriously difficult, horticulturists believe Horace is likely to open within the next week.
What to Expect During the Bloom
To help manage crowds and ensure a great experience for everyone, special viewing procedures may be in place while Horace is blooming.
Visitors will enter through the Japanese Garden gate. If attendance is light, the line may extend only to the terrace area. During busier periods, the queue may wind through portions of the Japanese Garden before reaching the viewing area.
Guests will enter through the Bonsai Pavilion, where they can browse exclusive Corpse Flower merchandise before continuing to the viewing area in the Ordway Gardens passageway to see Horace.
After viewing the bloom, visitors will exit through the Palm Dome and continue exploring the Conservatory.
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory doors will remain open during the bloom. Restrooms will be available, and visitors who need to leave the line temporarily may request a bathroom pass.
Volunteers and Visitor Services staff will be stationed throughout the area to answer questions, share information about corpse flowers, and assist with crowd management.
Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is always free, though voluntary donations help support the care of the plants and animals that call Como home.
