Darlingtonia californica

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Darlingtonia californica

COMMON NAME: Cobra Lilly, Cobra Pitcher Plant

PLACE OF ORIGIN: Northern California to southern Oregon.

GENERAL INFO: Darlingtonia californica are one of the most unique looking carnivorous plants. Easily recognized by its cobra-like shape, cobras are monotypic pitcher plants endemic to small areas of California and Oregon. Darlingtonia are distantly related to sarracenia but do not secrete enzymes, instead utilizing microorganisms and bacteria to “digest” insects which drown in their mesmerizing wells of water.

WATER: The most important aspect of cultivating D.californica is to keep the roots saturated with cool to cold water. Use low TDs water, per all CPs, and water each day or keep on the tray system ( leaving the pot in a shallow saucer of water covering 1/4th of the pot).

SOIL: We prefer to use pure long-fibered spagnum moss for D.californica but some cultivators use either a 60/40 or 50/50 perlite to peat mix.

CONTAINERS: Medium plants up to a foot tall can be left growing in 4-6 inch pots for up to a year. Consider repotting ever 1-2 years after depending on growth, eventually anticipating 10 to 12 inch pots as these plants spread and divide via their roots.

LIGHT: Darlingtonia californica grow in bright open sun and also shaded areas. If used artificial grownlights, ensure the medium never dries out or becomes to warm. (plants should receive reduced photo periods and cold to chilly temps during winter dormancy)

FERTILIZATION: We recommend using MAXSEA brand fertilizer for all carnivorous plants, as these
sensitive plants respond very well to this formulation. (Available on our website). The plants will naturally catch pests, and these can be
‘fed’ to the plant by simply dropping them into the pitcher. Fertilize once every 2 weeks in spring
and summer, and once a month in winter. Never let fertilizer touch flowers!