Crabbergirl, Hang it in the tree and let it do its thing, for some reason they don't mind lots of rain water, they seem to do better with the rain water, the only thing you need to watch for are mealy bugs, I use soap and water to get rid of them. I think the reason your plant got mushy when you put it out is because it was in the house and when you moved it it had to much sun at one time and it wasn't happy, there not fussy about what you plant them in, some say a sandy mix is best but I use any potting soil I have. IF for some reason the plant should die DO NOT put in in your compost pile, these little guys will grow from just one little root in the heat of the pile, make sure you wash your hand good with hot soap and water after handling the plant, because of the flies and other dead thing in the flowers. other than that there a fun plant to have and will grow for many years.
Nancy, do you have a pic of your plant, I've never heard of a carrion plant taking more than 2 years to bloom, unless it lighting is poor, unless it bloomed down in the pot where you couldn't see it.