Growing Darlingtonia Californica or Cobra Lily |
Darlingtonia
| Background Information
These carnivores are from the USA and are native of the Sierra Nevada, Southern Oregon and Northern California, quite a small area of native habitat. Mostly Darlingtonia grow in boggy areas which have a constant flow of fresh cold water and pine forests of Redwood and Spruce. The common name given to Darlingtonia is Cobra Lily as the modified leaves form upright pitchers which are hooded and the front part of the leaf is divided in to what appears to be a forked tongue. The Cobra Lily's pitcher toward the top and the dome is semi translucent in spots and when the sun shines on to them the head can appear to glow. |
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Insects are attracted to the plant as the outside of the hood is colourfully marked and secretes a sweet smelling nectar but the victims are quickly drawn nearer the open mouth as there is a heavier concentration of the sugary substance. An insect which lands on this area is drawn further and further in to the mouth and, as the top part and back part of the dome is semi translucent it appears brighter than the shadow where the insect is sitting.
When the insect is readily to leave they often fly towards the light, which happens to be in to the pitcher rather than away from it. Once the insect hits the back of the pitchers hood it usually is stunned enough to drop down in to the base of the pitcher where it will eventually die and be decomposed by bacteria rather than the more usual enzymes.
This plant is a Darlingtonia Californica (left) and will make an excellent patio plant.
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Temperature
These plants are borderline hardy in the UK but will usually survive in a sheltered position if grown outdoors. The leaves (pitchers) will probably die back due to the cold UK winter and for protection a thatch of course twigs and dry straw should be applied around and over the growing crown.
Compost & Watering
In cultivation the Cobra Lily requires a free draining potting mix. A good mix would consist of 30% sphagnum peat, 40% sphagnum moss and 30% grit or vermiculite. These plants require a good supply of COLD fresh water. One of the most important growing factors for this plant is that the roots are always kept cold.
Light
The like good sunny positions as they grown in open sunny positions naturally but they have a constant flow of cold water cooling the roots. Grow these plants out on the patio during the summer, if you have a sun trap then you should put them away from the severest sun otherwise they will overheat - see the note on COLD roots!
Feeding
These carnivorous plants do not need feeding as they will
catch ample food for their needs and provided they are in
a bright position they will thrive on what ever flies by.
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Darlingtonia