devil's tongue house plant Buy Devils Tongue Phoenix, AZ | Amorphophallus konjacPhoenix's Most Exotic Tropical Specimen Plant Devil's Tongue (Amorphophallus konjac) is one of the most unusual and conversation starting plants you can grow in the Phoenix Valley. This tropical perennial produces a single, dramatically patterned stem topped with an enormous umbrella like leaf that can span 34 feet across. In spring, mature corms send up a striking dark purple spathe flower before the foliage appears. Whether you're creating a shaded

Phoenix's Most Exotic Tropical Specimen Plant

Devil's Tongue (Amorphophallus konjac) is one of the most unusual and conversation-starting plants you can grow in the Phoenix Valley. This tropical perennial produces a single, dramatically patterned stem topped with an enormous umbrella-like leaf that can span 3–4 feet across. In spring, mature corms send up a striking dark purple spathe flower before the foliage appears. Whether you're creating a shaded tropical oasis in Scottsdale, adding an exotic container specimen in Chandler, or looking for something truly unique in Mesa — Devil's Tongue is guaranteed to turn heads.

Devil's Tongue Plant Details

Devil's Tongue Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Shaded Tropical Accent

Devil's Tongue thrives in the dappled shade of a covered patio, north-facing wall, or under the canopy of a large tree. Its dramatic leaf structure instantly adds a tropical, jungle-like feel to any shaded garden area. Plant it alongside Bird of Paradise, ferns, and Elephant Ears for a lush, layered look.

Container Specimen

This plant is perfect for large containers on covered patios and indoor spaces. The corm goes dormant in winter, making it easy to store containers in a garage or shed. When spring arrives, the dramatic re-emergence of the leaf stalk is one of gardening's most exciting moments. Use a rich potting mix with excellent drainage.

Conversation-Piece Garden Feature

Few plants generate more questions from visitors than Devil's Tongue. The mottled, snake-like stem pattern and enormous single leaf create a living sculpture. Place it near a seating area where guests can admire its exotic form up close. In Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, it adds an unexpected tropical surprise to desert-contemporary landscapes.

Best Time to Plant Devil's Tongue in Phoenix

Spring (March–April) is the ideal planting time, as the corm is emerging from dormancy and ready to produce its dramatic leaf. Plant after all frost danger has passed. The corm can also be planted in late February in Phoenix if protected from any late cold snaps.

How to Plant Devil's Tongue

1. Choose a shaded or filtered-light location — protect from direct afternoon Phoenix sun
2. Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the corm, about 4–6 inches deep
3. Amend soil generously — mix 40–50% compost and perlite into native soil for drainage and nutrition
4. Plant corm with the growing point facing up, cover with 3–4 inches of soil
5. Water thoroughly after planting — keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) during active growth
6. Mulch with organic matter — 2–3 inches of bark mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool

Watering Devil's Tongue in Phoenix

Active Growth (Spring–Fall)

Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water every 3–5 days in spring and fall, every 2–3 days during peak Phoenix summer heat. The large leaf transpires significant moisture and needs more water than typical desert plants.

Dormancy (Winter)

Once the leaf dies back in fall, reduce watering dramatically. The dormant corm needs very little moisture — water only once a month or less to prevent the corm from drying out completely. Resume regular watering when new growth appears in spring.

Is Devil's Tongue hard to grow in Phoenix?
Not at all — as long as you provide shade and adequate moisture during the growing season. The biggest mistake is planting it in full sun, which will scorch the leaf. A covered patio or north-facing bed works perfectly in Phoenix.

Does Devil's Tongue smell bad?
The flower (spathe) of mature plants does produce a strong, unpleasant odor for 1–2 days when it first opens — this attracts pollinators. The odor dissipates quickly. The leaf, which is the main ornamental feature, has no smell at all.

Will Devil's Tongue survive Phoenix winters?
Yes. The corm is hardy to USDA Zone 6, well below Phoenix's Zone 9b–10a. It simply goes dormant in winter, losing its leaf, and re-emerges reliably each spring. No winter protection needed in the Phoenix area.

Can I grow Devil's Tongue indoors?
Absolutely. It makes an excellent indoor plant in a bright room with indirect light. The dramatic leaf adds instant tropical flair to any interior space. Just ensure good drainage and don't overwater.

You May Also Like

Bird of Paradise — Tropical flowering plant with bold orange blooms, perfect companion for shaded exotic gardens.

Desert Rose — Another unique specimen plant with sculptural form and vibrant blooms for full-sun areas.

Elephant Ears — Large-leaved tropical that pairs beautifully with Devil's Tongue in shaded, lush garden beds.

Sago Palm — Prehistoric-looking cycad that complements the exotic appeal of Devil's Tongue.

How Many Devil's Tongue Do I Need?

Devil's Tongue is a specimen plant grown for its single dramatic leaf, so it is spaced and grouped rather than run as a hedge. Each corm fills a leaf canopy 2 to 4 feet wide once it opens.

Devil's Tongue Season-by-Season in Phoenix

• Spring (Feb-Apr): The dormant corm wakes up. Mature corms push a dark purple spathe first, then the single umbrella leaf unfurls fast. This is the prime planting window once frost danger has passed.
• Summer (May-Sep): The full leaf holds through the heat as long as it sits in shade or filtered light. Direct afternoon Phoenix sun will scorch it, so keep it under a patio, on a north wall, or beneath a tree. Monsoon humidity (Jul-Sep) is welcome; water steadily through the hottest weeks.
• Fall (Oct-Nov): The leaf yellows and dies back as the plant heads toward dormancy. Taper off water as the foliage fades. A good second planting window for dormant corms.
• Winter (Dec-Jan): Fully dormant with no leaf above ground. The corm rests underground and needs almost no water. It is hardy far below Phoenix lows, so no frost cover is needed in the Valley.

At a Glance

✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to -10°F (dormant corm)

Plant It With

• Elephant's Ear: matching big-leaf tropical texture for the same shaded bed.
• Blue Slick Elephant's Ear: bold blue-green foliage that layers under the same canopy.
• Desert Rose: a sculptural container companion for a brighter spot nearby.
• Ponytail Palm: an easygoing potted specimen that carries the exotic look year round.

Is Devil's Tongue Right for Your Yard?

Devil's Tongue is a fit if you have a shaded or filtered-light spot with rich, well-draining soil, since Phoenix caliche needs heavy amending with compost and perlite. It rewards steady moisture through the growing season and a clear 3 to 4 foot space for its leaf. It is not a fit if your only open ground is full, reflected afternoon sun or if you want an evergreen plant, because the leaf scorches in direct desert sun and the plant disappears underground every winter.