Darlingtonia Californica - Cobra Lily

Cobra lily is an absolute rarity among carnivorous plants, which has a unique appearance. The trap leaves have the appearance of an erect snake and have a helmet with transparent windows on the upper side. Insects are attracted to nectar on the underside. The nectar trail leads into this helmet through an opening on the underside. The transparent windows are mistaken by the insects for an exit and lead them further and further into the tube, where they are eventually held and digested.

Cobra lily has somewhat increased requirements for care and is therefore rather something for advanced plant lovers. With a few tips, however, the culture of this wonderful plant succeeds even in our latitudes without any problems.

Location: Very bright and sunny, but the roots must always be kept cool. Therefore, it is best to cultivate in large clay pots, for example.

Water requirements: Keep evenly moist, in summer always allow some water in the saucer. Never let it dry out! Water only lime-free water.

Humidity: Cobra lily likes increased humidity, but this is usually self-adjusting due to the humid culture.

Substrate: Do not use normal potting soil. Mix unfertilized peat with perlite, Sphagnum perlite or special soil for carnivorous plants. Do not fertilize!

Toxicity: Non-toxic to animals.

Other: Cobra lily comes from North America and is accustomed to cool winters. Therefore, it must be kept cool in winter, but still bright. It is even hardy in our latitudes.