Cobra Lily, Cobra Plant, & California Pitcher Plant


Here's my best plant...before it went into dormancy. 

 
© James Manhart

These plants are appropriately named for its tall, twisted, tubular pitchers which look like cobra snakes with their tongues out.  They are native only to northern California and southern Oregon They grow in areas where the water is always cool and temperatures are not too high.  They are herbaceous perennials, and must go through a winter dormancy. 

Insects are lured by the luring nectar that is found on the cobras' tongue. Insects enter through a hole below the puffed hoods, and fall down to the bottom of the tubes.   Cobra plants actually do not produce enzymes to digest their prey --  Secondary bacteria and microorganisms, which exist in the fluids inside the traps,  aid in the digestion for the cobra plant. 

For the past two years, I have had rotten luck with Cobra Lilies. They have the reputation as being difficult plants to grow.  This year, I finally figured them out. There was a small matter of keeping the soil temperature under 70F.  I have four of them now, and they have not died yet, but they haven't grown either. I have kept them for 6 months now, but I assume the grower I purchased them from didn't give them dormancy yet either. I put them inside a fridge, and I'll bring them out in April.  

Growing Media:

I grow mine in a peat moss and perlite mixture. When I move some outside, I plan to grow them in pure Sphagnum moss, and I mulched the moss with shredded pine bark to keep the roots cool.  If you need more help in keeping the soil cool, always grow them in large pots (It takes longer for them to heat up) and even try clay pots.  

Temperatures:

Read this section twice, its important.  Do not allow the soil to go over 70F.  Summer temperatures can be 70-100F (tough to keep summer temps 100, and soil under 70). During a mandatory 4-6 month dormancy, temperatures can be 35-50F.  One way of keeping the soil cool is to keep the out of direct sunlight. Plant them in large pots because it will take longer to heat up more soil.  Also, grow on the ground instead of on tables.  These are the main points in controlling your temps.  I have a Whiskey-Barrel liner that receives cold water from my house Air Conditioner release pipe. This puts constant cold water on the plant soil, and eliminates my worries, and lets them grow in full sun. If you are growing them indoors, keep them in the fridge or cool closet during the summer, and grow them under lights in the winter if you have indoor temperature problems.  

Water & Humidity:

You can keep the soil water logged during the summer if needed, but don't allow it to get stagnant. In their habitiat, their water comes from the snow melting, so fresh cool water is always flowing through.   The higher the humidity, the better. In the winter, the soil should be considerably drier. 

Light:

In full sun, the traps are have some red coloration.  However, if full sun cooks the soil, you should put it in indirect sun and sacrifice the color.  A dead plant isn't a happy plant, nor the grower. 

Asexual Reproduction:

Easier if you grow your Cobra lilies in wide containers.  They produce underground stolons that produce new plants rather quickly. You can repot the new plant, then propagate the rhizomes by cutting them into 2" pieces. Dust cut services with a fungicide, and place them in medium.  In 3-6 weeks, you should have new plants. 
If you Cobra Lily is overgrown, then dig it up before bringing it out of dormancy, and divide up the clumps.  Make sure each divided clump has roots!
 

Sexual Reproduction:

I don't have experience here...but when the flowers are open, flowers can self-pollinate.  Seeds will appear 3 months after the flower. Store the seeds until winter inside your refrigerator, and then sow them in January.  Very slow method. 

Pest & Disease Problems:

So far, I haven't run into any problems. 

Last updated 07/30/01
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