Rare Titan Arum Bloom Draws Crowds to Indonesia’s Bogor Gardens
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- The titan arum at Bogor Botanical Gardens is set to bloom on February 3, 2026, after 12 years, spotlighting Indonesia’s endangered biodiversity amid conservation calls from BRIN.
- Standing 120cm tall, the rare Amorphophallus titanum faces poaching and habitat threats; BRIN invites public visits to witness this IUCN-listed endangered bloom.
- BRIN Chief Arif Satria highlights the irregular blooming cycle of titan arum, urging educational tourism at Bogor to protect Indonesia’s endemic species from extinction.
One of the rarest specimens at Bogor Botanical Gardens, the titan arum Amorphophallus titanum, is expected to fully bloom on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) notes that this Sumatran native last flowered in 2014.
The rare phenomenon is once again drawing crowds and researchers alike. BRIN Chief Arif Satria personally inspected the plant’s progress.
As of Saturday (January 31, 2026), the titan arum stood at 120 centimeters tall, with its bud measuring about 21 centimeters in diameter. Arif described the moment as a prime opportunity for the public to learn about Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
Rare Titan Arum Bloom Phenomenon
Amorphophallus titanum is an Indonesian endemic known for its massive size and distinctive odor when in bloom. Arif explained that it is classified as an Endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The IUCN website details that fewer than 1,000 mature titan arum individuals remain. The plant faces threats from poaching, habitat degradation, and land conversion for palm oil, timber, or pulp plantations.
Bogor Botanical Gardens itself houses nine titan arum varieties planted since 1992 as part of national conservation efforts.
“Well, looking at its blooming pattern, it’s still irregular, so researchers are working hard to understand the cycle—sometimes every three years, sometimes two, and the last one was in 2014,” Arif said, as quoted on the BRIN website.
“This one is expected to bloom around February 3, making it a hugely important moment for biodiversity enthusiasts across Indonesia,” he added.
BRIN researchers continue monitoring the blooming patterns to identify environmental factors influencing its life cycle.
The bloom holds significant scientific value due to its unpredictable timing. It also serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect endemic species from extinction risks.
Come See the Titan Arum in Bloom!
Arif invited the public, especially students, to witness the event firsthand. Doing so, he said, would help citizens and pupils grasp the importance of environmental preservation.
“I think this is a great place to learn about plants, trees, and various rare species. These rare plants must be conserved, and the Botanical Gardens are a key part of the government’s program to do just that,” he explained.
He noted that Bogor Botanical Gardens serves as a hub for collection and research. It also acts as a public education center on Indonesia’s biodiversity.
Arif hopes the gardens can develop educational tourism concepts that attract visitors while prioritizing conservation.
He stressed that Indonesia’s ability to safeguard its biodiversity will shape its global standing. He urged continued protection and stewardship of this wealth.
“Once again, Indonesia boasts extraordinary biodiversity riches, and we must truly protect them. Our success in managing this will define Indonesia’s position in the world—whether we can care for and handle what we have,” he added.
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