The cobra lily is also known as the California pitcher plant or as a cobra plant.

The cobra lily is also known as the California pitcher plant or as a cobra plant. There is something truly unique and different about the plant, starting from the appearance of its long tubular leaves, which is similar to that of the hood of the cobra snake, which includes a leaf that looks like the forked tongue of the snake, to its carnivorous nature.

This plant does not belong to the true lily classification as it does not grow from a bulb.

The cobra lily is native to North America and was discovered by botanist William D. Brackenridge at glacial range of Mount Shasta, the fifth tallest mountain in California, in 1841. It was called Darlingtonia after the Philadelphian botanist William Darlington.

Unique Darlingtonia Californica

The California pitcher plant is different from the other 2 pitcher plants of the same species which are also carnivorous.

Water is regulated upward from the roots and it does not trap rainwater inside its pitcher. It does not produce digestive enzymes like the other pitcher plants.

• When the insect is inside the leaf opening under the hood, the lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs will force the insect into trap aside from confusing the insect because of the multitude of transparent areas in the leaf which seem like exit holes.

• As the insect frantically tries to escape, it goes lower down the tube structure and will be unable to climb upwards as the inner tube is slippery and the hairs will block it.

• The capture insect will then fall into the liquid digestive enzyme pool located at the base of the plant and will be slowly absorbed as a plant food. This is the same technique that is used by the Parrot pitcher plant.

Caring For Your Darlingtonia Californica

Though the cobra lily can be planted in containers, you would have to take into consideration the fact that it has an extensive root system.

Their roots will have branching runners that will produce new pitcher plants.

Another thing that you would have to be aware of is that the height of this plant can reach up to 4 feet tall.

The California pitcher plant is winter hardy.

There root system has to be maintained in a cool temperature and it requires constant watering.

This plant does not need to be fertilized and will thrive better if planted in sphagnum moss or a soil mix of peat moss and perlite.

Plant in partial shade conditions and make sure that it does not get subjected to the full heat of the midday sun.

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