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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A titan arum named Morticia 2.0 bloomed at Amazon’s Seattle Spheres in July 2023, drawing visitors who reserved a chance to see—and smell—the short-lived flower. GeekWire reported lines extending across multiple floors and continuing past midnight, but did not give a verified attendance total. The bloom is over; the Spheres’ current notice does not establish that a new viewing is scheduled.
What happened at the Spheres in 2023?
GeekWire reported that Morticia 2.0, a titan arum at the Seattle Spheres, opened in July 2023. The plant came from the same corm as Morticia, which bloomed at the Spheres in 2018, according to the July 13, 2023 GeekWire report. The Spheres’ own bloom page calls the plant Morticia and describes the event as its second bloom; the names reflect the wording used by each source.
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Reservations filled quickly, and GeekWire described queues that continued past midnight and stretched across several floors. The report did not publish an exact visitor count, so “thousands” should not be treated as a confirmed Spheres attendance figure.
What is a corpse flower?
The corpse flower is Amorphophallus titanum, a species native to Sumatra, Indonesia. Despite its common name and dramatic appearance, it is not a single giant flower. It produces an inflorescence: many small flowers clustered at the base of a central column called the spadix, surrounded by a leaf-like structure called the spathe. Cornell University’s titan arum handout explains that male and female flowers grow at the base of the spadix.
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- The Corpse Flower, also known as Amorphophallus titanum or titan arum, is the world’s largest unbranched inflorescence (cluster of flowers on a main stem). This cluster of flowers is wrapped in a tall green spathe, surrounded by a deep burgundy bloom resembling the color and texture of flesh. This, along with the pungent odor make it memorable.
- Carnivorous Plant. These flowers usually take 7-10 years to bloom for the first time, and then can re-bloom every 3-5 years afterward, usually in the summer.
- Best Grown in a Greenhouse or Inside in Pots. They eventually have a large corm underground. See the Product Details on this listing.
- Soak the seed and press gently into damp soil until covered. Keep Moist. A plastic dome over the pot will keep it moist. These flowers are native to Sumatra and Borneo.
- Marde Ross & Company has been a Licensed California Nursery since 1985.
Why does it smell like rotting flesh?
The odor helps attract carrion-feeding pollinators such as flies and beetles. Heat produced by the plant during bloom helps disperse the smell, carrying its signal beyond the inflorescence. The scent’s character and strength change, and people may perceive it differently. At the 2023 Spheres bloom, program manager Ben Eiben told GeekWire the smell was more like rotting cabbage at the time he spoke. He said: “It doesn’t smell like straight roadkill,” and added, “But it can be overpowering and eye watering.”
How long does a corpse flower bloom?
The striking open phase is brief, but sources describe its duration differently. Amazon says a bloom stays open for about 48 hours, while the Spheres bloom notice says the best viewing is in the first 24 hours. These are approximate, source-specific descriptions rather than a guarantee for every plant.
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- For germination temperature: 16-32℃
- Type: Hibiscus Seeds
- Style: perennial
The flowering cycle is more involved than the visible spectacle. Cornell says the female flowers open first and are receptive for about a day; male flowers open on the second day. The plant cannot pollinate itself. After flowering, it can return to a vegetative phase with a large single leaf, then go dormant before a later bloom.
How rare is a bloom?
There is no fixed calendar for an individual plant. The Spheres page gives an average interval of 5–10 years for its plant, while GeekWire reported that a titan arum may take a minimum of seven years to flower for the first time. Cornell’s 2016 handout describes 7–10 years as typical to a first bloom in cultivation. Those figures describe different contexts and should not be read as a timetable for a particular plant.
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- Dazzling Long-Lasting Blooms: Produces abundant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom continuously from spring to fall, infusing gardens, balconies, or patios with non-stop vibrancy
- Beginner-Friendly Cultivation: Requires minimal effort to grow! Thrives in full sunlight (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil—simply sow directly outdoors after the last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks early for earlier blooms
- Sowing rate: 2-3 seeds per plant. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Versatile Planting Options: Ideal for various scenarios—perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, flower beds, or container gardens. Its trailing and mounding growth habits add depth to vertical gardens or edge borders, fitting any outdoor decor style
- Heat & Drought Tolerant: Built to withstand hot summer temperatures (suitable for USDA zones 9-11) and mild drought once established. Maintains lush blooms even in warm climates, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a low-maintenance choice
Can you visit the Amazon Spheres or see the flower now?
The 2023 bloom was a reservation-based event, separate from ordinary public visits. The Spheres’ bloom notice describes a July 13 viewing but does not identify a year in its text; that date alone is not evidence of an upcoming event. Check the official bloom page and its linked livestream for a current announcement before making plans.
For regular public visits, the Spheres weekend public-visits page lists access on the first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., by reservation, at 2111 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121. Schedules and booking availability can change, so confirm them on the official page before traveling.
Quick Recap
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- Moonflower grows best in moist, well-draining conditions, with six hours of full sunlight, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and temperatures above 60°F.
- Moonflower is best planted in the spring in a full-sun location after the danger of frost has passed.
- It can also grow in hanging containers or as a ground cover. This vining plant likes to climb, so provide a trellis or support structure.
- Moonflower grows best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
- Moonflower likes a moderate amount of soil moisture. Water young plants regularly so their soil stays moist but not soggy.
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- AAS WINNER & PASTORAL AESTHETICS: Bachelor's Button Tall Blue is an All-America Selections winner. A true symbol of pastoral aesthetics and charm, this decorative, frost-resistant, and edible plant is a productive honey-making marvel for any garden.
- 6,000 PREMIUM HEIRLOOM SEEDS: These high-quality American seeds possess leadership qualities for planting a classic heirloom variety with spectacular blue flowers. They promote sustainable growth and adaptation. Fresh, open-pollinated seeds for your gardens, beds, borders, and meadows.
- SAPPHIRE-BLUE GARDEN TREASURE: A beautiful and unusual plant with delicate sapphire-blue flowers. Large, fringed basket-like inflorescences are famous for their intricate bud carving and bright blue color effect. Petal shades range from sky blue to lilac-purple.
- THE BLUEST IN THE FLORAL KINGDOM: These whimsical flowers resemble miniature carnations with the famous indigo hue. This bold color adds unique flair to romantic country-style gardens and creates a multi-layered, textured look as a contrast to other wildflowers.
- TALL, GRACEFUL, AND PROLIFIC: Captivating waves of saturated violet-blue pompons sway on sturdy, downy stems with silvery foliage. A long growing season guarantees months of dynamic beauty, keeping gardens bright and alive with continuous blooming until frost.
Visitor rules listed by the Spheres
- Adults 18 and older must show government-issued identification; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Bags must be 12 by 12 inches or smaller.
- Do not touch the plants.
- Personal photography is allowed without flash, tripods, or other photography equipment.
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