The current appearance is slight: Putricia stands silent and tall in front of a brown curtain, comfortably positioned behind a red velvet rope. From time to time, a visitor jumps into the frame and takes a selfie with the plant.
But once it blooms, viewers can expect Putricia to unfurl a bright burgundy or crimson skirt, known as a spathe, around her spadix, which is the large spike in the middle of the plant.
The gardens said it is “difficult to predict exactly when” Putricia will flower, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people flocking online.
“I’m back again to see how Putricia is doing and I see she’s still taking her time like a queen, fair game,” one commenter wrote. “This is the slowest burlesque ever,” said another.
Another person wrote: “At night I watched, fell asleep, woke up, watched, fell asleep. I am weak, but Putricia is strong. WWTF”.
Other popular acronyms among viewers are WDNRP (We Do Not Rush Putricia) and BBTB (Blessed The Bloom).