San Diego Botanic Garden’s Rare Corpse Flower Set to Bloom Again!

San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) announces the upcoming blooming of one of the world’s rarest and smelliest plants, a corpse flower!

The flower (Amorphophallus titanium) is expected to bloom over the next week. Once in full bloom, it will emit its pungent odor for only 48 hours. The corpse flower is currently on display in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory at the Garden.

Corpse Flower: A Rare Botanical Phenomenon

“The blooming of a corpse flower has become an international sensation, intriguing people from around the world with its fleeting flower,” said SDBG President and CEO Ari Novy.

“We are extremely fortunate to be presenting a bloom from our permanent collection, making this year’s bloom even more special. The heat and smell are used to attract pollinator insects while also attracting curious humans excited to experience this beautiful and smelly rock star of the plant world.”

The blooming of a corpse flower is a rare and special event, as most of these plants require seven to ten years to produce their first blooms and bloom only every four to five years after that.

This particular corpse flower last bloomed three years ago at SDBG in November 2021, making its upcoming bloom even more rare.

Over the next week, the flower will continue to grow until it attains its peak bloom height and then finally opens up to display its full and stinky glory.

Special Viewing Hours

Since the floral odor is strongest in the evening, SDBG will extend its hours to midnight for the two nights of bloom, allowing you a chance to see—and smell—this rare phenomenon in full splendor.

If you can’t visit at night, special early morning viewing hours will also be available starting at 7 AM on the second and third days following the bloom. Specific dates will be announced once the plant begins to bloom. The flower will remain on display during regular daytime hours until it decays.

Engage With the Bloom Online

If you can’t visit in person, you can tune into the 24-hour live stream of the plant here.

While the exact bloom date cannot be determined, SDBG will regularly update its website and social media, along with hosting a naming competition for the bloom via social media. This plant’s previous bloom in 2021 was named “Stinking Beauty.”

See you there!

Ticket reservations are required. After-hours admission on specified bloom days includes entrance to the Conservatory building only, as the rest of the Garden will be closed after 5 PM.

SDBG Members receive free admission. Pricing for non-members is $18 for Adults, $10 for children 3 to 12, and free for ages 2 and under. Discounted pricing is available for military, students, and seniors ages 60+.

For more information on San Diego Botanic Garden and to plan your visit, visit their website here. To keep yourself updated, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

See you there, San Diego!