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Voodoo Lily #925153

Asked February 27, 2026, 1:28 PM EST

My Voodoo Lilies overwintered in my basement crawl space ( no heat, but no frost ) I took them out of my summer pots. I have several big corms. I checked them today and all have sprouted up about 10 inches. They need sunlight and warmth, I guess. If I take them outside, the likely frosts in March will kill them. What to do ? Can I leave them in the crawl space ?

Cuyahoga County Ohio

Expert Response

Thank you for using "Ask Extension" to answer your question.  Voodoo plants need a completely dry, dormant, frost free rest period which you have completed.  The Voodoo Lily should be kept at 60 degrees or higher.  Are you wanting to grow this plant in a pot or in the ground?  They bloom in late winter or early Spring.  The tubers are to be planted 3-5 inches deep whether you use a pot or in the ground planting. You want to avoid direct harsh afternoon sun and frosts.  If you are planting in a pot you can bring the pot back to you basement or under cover when you know it is going to frost.  In the ground you will need to watch for a prediction of frost and cover the plant during the frost.  The Voodoo Lily produces a single large flower in late winter or early spring followed by foliage after the flower dies back.

Voodoo plants flowers have a foul odor to attract pollinators followed by attractive foliage.  if you want to use the plant as a pollinator in needs to be outside. The Voodoo Lily is relatively rare so you probably will not see it in the box stores but a greenhouse or a nursery may have them.  Some resources include the following:

Division of Agriculture Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, 'Voodoo Lily" 2301 South University Avenue, Little Rock , Ark 72204, September 2007

The Spruce, "How to Grow and Care for Voodoo Lily" by Jamie McIntosh, thespruce.com, Updated 5/2/25.



Jill Pfister Replied February 28, 2026, 12:59 PM EST

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