Bloomington, Indiana – Something big, smelly, and rare is about to happen at Indiana University’s Biology Greenhouse—and the public is invited to witness it.
“Wally,” the university’s beloved corpse flower, is expected to bloom at any moment, possibly later today or Saturday, according to Greenhouse Manager John Leichter. This massive plant, which has been part of the IU community since 2007, only blooms once every few years, releasing a notoriously foul odor that lives up to its name.
Scientifically known as Amorphophallus titanum, or titan arum, the corpse flower is one of the largest and most unusual flowering plants on Earth. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, it can take years—sometimes even a decade—to produce a bloom. But when it does, it’s unforgettable.
The bloom itself is a short-lived event, lasting only 24 to 36 hours. During that time, the flower emits a powerful stench that has been compared to rotting meat, dead animals, or, as Leichter describes it, “road kill” or a “men’s locker room.”
“I’m not going to deny the public this spectacular smell,” Leichter said, emphasizing the importance of sharing this rare botanical phenomenon with as many people as possible.
To give the community a chance to experience Wally’s bloom in person, IU’s Biology Greenhouse will be open for extended hours. Exact times will depend on when the bloom begins, which is expected to be very soon.
Wally has grown more than six feet tall in preparation for this year’s bloom—its fourth since arriving at IU. The last time the corpse flower bloomed was just last year, in 2023, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers who braved the odor for a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The corpse flower’s unique bloom isn’t just about its smell. The plant’s large central spadix, surrounded by a frilly maroon-colored spathe, creates a striking and otherworldly appearance. As the bloom opens, it also generates heat to help spread its scent farther, attracting pollinators in its native habitat.
While it may seem strange to celebrate such a smelly flower, corpse flower blooms are extremely rare. Many botanical gardens and universities around the world wait years for their plants to bloom just once. IU’s Wally, now a well-known figure on campus, has bloomed multiple times, making it one of the more prolific corpse flowers in public collections.
Visitors hoping to catch the bloom should act fast—the spectacle is short, and once the flower starts to wilt, the smell quickly fades. But for those who make it to the IU Greenhouse in time, the experience promises to be both memorable and uniquely pungent.
