Cobra Lily Care : Tips for growing a cobra lily plant

There is something supernatural in the cobra lily plant. Its wavy shape and strangely constructed leaves are reminiscent of old horror movies, but they give such a unique insight that the viewer also remembers the great diversity of life on our planet. This pitcher plant is not only unique in appearance, but has an active appetite that is fed by insects and sometimes by small vertebrates. If you are lucky enough to live in a warm enough area, learn how to grow the cobra lily and bring the drama of this amazing plant to your landscape.

Information about Cobra lily

California pitcher plants ( Darlingtonia californica ) grow in distinct clusters throughout the state’s countryside. Cobra pitcher plants are native to North America and are found in nutrient-poor swampy areas. The plants spread asexually in corridors and runners and rarely flower. They are inimitable plants, unsurpassed by most floras in their exceptional structure and eccentric beauty.

The cobra lily plant defies almost any description. The main characteristics of the plant are the modified leaves that rise from the base and end in hooded foliage. The leaves resemble cobra heads and perform a specialized function. Habitat

of these plants is low in nutrients and they use these hooded leaves to collect fuel from the digested insects.

The hood secretes an attractive aroma, which attracts unsuspecting prey inside. Once inside, it is difficult for them to get out and the plant secretes digestive enzymes that break down animal matter. Unlike other pitcher plants, complete information on cobra lilies should include the fact that their hoods are not open and they do not collect rainwater to trap and drown their prey.

How to grow a cobra lily

Water lilies need warm temperatures, full sun and cold water to cool their roots. These conditions are difficult to achieve anywhere other than in a natural wetland. However, if you can provide these circumstances, the plant can be difficult to obtain. Darlingtonia pitchers are not as commercially available as Sarracenia pitchers.

If you are lucky, a potted garden is probably your best option. Plant it on a high percentage of peat moss with some fine bark and garden sand. Wash the roots daily in fresh water and put them in a safe place if temperatures are above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C.). The ideal temperature is between 70 and 80 F. (21-26 C.) and are resistant in USDA zones 7-10.

If you get seeds, they should be stratified for four weeks in the refrigerator. Sow the seeds on the surface and keep the pot moist with a plastic bag over the container to conserve water.

Cobra Lily Care

Moisture is the most important part of cobra care. Use rainwater if possible, or buy spring water as plants are sensitive to excess minerals and chemicals in tap water.

You can cut the stems and dead leaves according to your needs. They do not need to be fertilized and will ingest most insect pests.

Fungi are the biggest problem of the disease, but by preventing water from entering the leaves, significant spore activity is usually avoided. The plant may suffer a brief frostbite if it is inactive, but you should move it to a protected area, such as a cold setting, if the frostbite lasts for weeks.