Also known as Voodoo Lily · 7 gardener saves
Sauromatum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Sauromatum, the genus most gardeners know as voodoo lily. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Sauromatum varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedIndian Giant Sauromatum
Sauromatum venosum 'Indian Giant'
#2 most savedGiant Voodoo Lily
Sauromatum giganteum
Voodoo Lily
Sauromatum venosum
How to grow Sauromatum
What the Sauromatum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Sauromatum year
- PlantMarch and April100% of varieties
Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep in early spring before growth starts
- FertilizeApril–July100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as the large foliage develops
- MulchOctober and November67% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch for winter protection in borderline zones
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Clear debris around planting site before the flower spathe emerges
Do
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
- Apply organic compost in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don't disturb rhizomes during dormancy
- Refrain from fertilizing late in fall
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
What goes wrong with Sauromatum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Fungus gnats | Small flying insects around soil | Allow soil to dry between watering; use organic insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Yellowing leaves and soft tubers | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rhizome rot | Soft, rotten smell and mushy rhizome | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove infected tissue |
Making more Sauromatum
Rhizome division
- Carefully dig up rhizomes in early spring.
- Cut into sections ensuring each has healthy roots.
- Plant sections 2 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water well and keep moist for 6 weeks.
Division
- Dig up tubers in fall or early spring
- Separate offsets with a sharp knife
- Plant divisions 4 inches deep in well-drained soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for new growth to establish
Sauromatum questions
How many types of Sauromatum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sauromatum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 7 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Sauromatum grow in?
Across its varieties, Sauromatum covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sauromatum bloom?
Most Sauromatum varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sauromatum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Sauromatum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Sauromatum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
