Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

Also known as: Foetid pothos, Meadow cabbage

Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) contains poisonous compounds like calcium oxalate, which can cause pain if ingested. In the summer, the plant produces purple flowers and emits a foul odor. This unpleasant smell attracts pollinators such as scavenging flies, stoneflies, and bees, aiding in the plant's pollination process.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Eastern skunk cabbage

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 91 cm

Spread

15 cm to 40 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 cm

Flower Color

Brown Yellow Green Purple Red Lavender

Images of Eastern skunk cabbage

Quickly Identify Eastern skunk cabbage

Distinctive mottled purple and yellow spathes covering the flower structure.

Expansive heart-shaped leaves up to 1 foot (30 cm) wide.

Fleshy, purple to reddish-brown spathe encasing a round spadix.

Large, smooth-textured leaves with prominent mid-veins extending outward.

Fruit starting as green pod, maturing to deep purple before revealing seed.

Scientific Classification of Eastern skunk cabbage

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Alismatales

Family

Arum

Genus

Symplocarpus

Species

Eastern skunk cabbage

Planting and Growing of Eastern skunk cabbage

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-65℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5.5-7

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Eastern skunk cabbage?

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, thrives in moist environments typical of wetlands. When watering, ensure the soil remains consistently damp but not waterlogged. Aim for about 500 milliliters per watering session to mimic its natural habitat conditions. This amount helps keep the soil evenly moist, ensuring the roots have access to sufficient water without causing root rot.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Eastern skunk cabbage?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

The ideal light range for Symplocarpus foetidus is partial sun to full shade. This range ensures the plant can photosynthesize effectively without the risk of damage, fostering a healthy and vibrant growth cycle.

What is the best light condition for Symplocarpus foetidus? ›

How can you provide the ideal light conditions? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Eastern skunk cabbage?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 65℉

For optimal growth, Symplocarpus foetidus thrives best in a consistent temperature range between 50°F to 65°F. These conditions mimic its natural habitat, allowing it to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain healthy cellular functions.

What Soil is Best for Eastern skunk cabbage?

Soil type: Loam, Acidic soil, Peat soil

Soil PH: 5.5 ~ 7

Symplocarpus foetidus thrives in soil that retains moisture well but is also capable of appropriate drainage. This balance of moisture retention and drainage nurtures robust growth and prevents issues like root rot. The plant prefers rich soil full of organic matter, which provides essential nutrients and promotes a healthy growth cycle, enhancing its overall vitality and resilience. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, which supports its nutrient absorption capacity and helps maintain optimal physiological functions necessary for growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Eastern skunk cabbage?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Symplocarpus foetidus, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength. This is preferable during the growing season as the plant is not heavily reliant on external nutrients due to its natural adaptation to nutrient-poor environments. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Eastern skunk cabbage?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Start with clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid infections and ensure clean cuts. Disinfect your tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases. Clear the area around the plant to have easy access to the base and lower leaves. First, identify and remove any dead or damaged leaves by cutting them close to the stem. Thin out dense areas by removing some of the older leaves or stems to improve airflow through the plant. Cut at an angle to allow water runoff. Avoid excessive cutting to maintain its natural shape and ecological benefits. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Eastern skunk cabbage plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Collect ripe seeds from the plant in late summer or early autumn. These seeds should be thoroughly dried and stored in a cool, dark place until spring when they can be sown.

Sow seeds in a well-draining, moist seed tray in early spring. Lightly cover them with soil, ensuring they are not buried too deeply. Keep the tray in a position with indirect sunlight.

In spring, identify healthy clumps of Symplocarpus foetidus and gently dig them up. Use a garden trowel to divide the rhizomes, ensuring each section has roots and shoots, then replant them.

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How to Repot Eastern skunk cabbage plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Symplocarpus foetidus, commonly known as skunk cabbage, should be repotted when you notice the soil becoming compacted or roots appearing from the drainage holes. A general lack of growth can also signal the need for more space. Early spring or autumn is ideal, as it allows the plant to establish before active growth periods.

Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one, providing space for root growth. A depth of at least 8 inches is recommended. Ceramic pots help retain moisture and temperature, ideal for the cool and damp habitats this plant prefers, while ensuring it's not overly large, preventing root rot.

Use a rich, organic-based soil that retains moisture yet drains well. Incorporating materials like peat moss and perlite can help maintain the bog-like conditions it naturally thrives in, promoting healthy root systems and vibrant foliage growth over the seasons.

Toxicity of Eastern skunk cabbage

Is Eastern skunk cabbage toxic to humans?

The Eastern skunk cabbage is recognized for its moderate toxicity, attributed to the presence of harmful calcium oxalate crystals along with other unidentified toxic substances. Every part of this plant is toxic when consumed, leading to significant discomfort in the mouth and digestive system, which includes a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, throat, and tongue. Additionally, it can result in gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, as well as excessive salivation and difficulties in swallowing. Care should be taken to avoid contact with the roots, as direct skin exposure can lead to itching, inflammation, and blister formation. It is particularly advised that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those suffering from kidney stones keep a safe distance from this plant.

Is Eastern skunk cabbage toxic to cat?

Eastern skunk cabbage poses a significant risk of severe oral irritation in felines upon ingestion, which could result in swelling, vomiting, and challenges in eating or breathing. Each component of the plant is infused with calcium oxalate crystals that are remarkably sharp and cause intense pain upon contacting the animal's oral and digestive tissues. A visit to the veterinarian is strongly recommended.

Is Eastern skunk cabbage toxic to dog?

Eastern skunk cabbage poses a varying degree of toxicity to dogs, ranging from mild to severe, based on the quantity ingested. Fortunately, dogs infrequently consume substantial amounts due to the initial adverse reactions. Every part of this plant contains calcium oxalate, which, upon ingestion, triggers irritation, redness, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This can result in excessive drooling, challenges with swallowing, and a diminished appetite. Symptoms such as an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea are also typical outcomes following ingestion. In rare and extreme instances, consuming a significant amount can lead to coma or even death, making it essential to contact a veterinarian, even though such outcomes are exceedingly uncommon.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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