Conserving Rafflesia in Home Garden

Until now, Rafflesia has bloomed 15 times in Joni's garden. The latest was on 11 March (2022), with a diameter of around 60 centimeters.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Joni Hartono.

For years, Joni Hartono, 50, has been trying to cultivate Rafflesia arnoldii in his home garden. In 2009, the first flower bloomed outside its natural habitat and has since produced blooms 15 times so far. Joni’s success has raised hope for conserving this rare, parasitic flower.

A reddish brown knot is growing on the stem of a plant from the Tetrastigma genus in the shady garden. The knot, with a diameter of around 30 centimeters, is estimated to be nine months old. Near it are 20 other brown knots that range in size from a Ping-Pong ball to a coconut. These lumps are the buds of Rafflesia arnoldii, or corpse flower.