Cobra lily (Arisaema ciliatum) | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Arisaema ciliatum
• Danish names: Kobralilje
• English names: Cobra lily

Arisaema ciliatum is a fascinating and exotic tuberous plant from the Himalayas and western China, where it grows in moist woodland areas and on mountain slopes. The species is particularly known for its spectacular flowers, which, with their hood-like appearance and dramatic colors, give the plant an almost tropical and mysterious expression.

The plant develops large, palmately divided leaves and a characteristic inflorescence consisting of a hood-shaped spathe and a long, often elegantly extended spadix. The colors typically vary between dark purple, green, and brownish shades with fine stripes or patterns.

Compared to Arisaema consanguineum, Arisaema ciliatum often has a more robust and dramatic flower shape, whereas A. consanguineum is typically known for its very long, narrow leaves and elegant growth.

Cultivation and requirements

Arisaema ciliatum thrives best in partial shade to light shade and prefers:

• humus-rich and well-drained soil
• even moisture during the growing season
• protected and cool conditions

A nutrient-rich, forest floor-like soil with a high organic content is ideal. During the growing season, it can be supplemented with a mild, organic fertilizer to support healthy growth.

The plant is relatively hardy and can be grown outdoors in Denmark in a protected location with well-drained soil. However, the tuber does not like standing winter moisture.

In winter, the plant goes dormant and dies back before shooting again in the spring.

Cultivation from seed

Seeds of Arisaema ciliatum germinate best with patience and natural temperature fluctuations. For best results, we recommend:

• sowing in moist, humus-rich soil
• placing in a bright spot, but without direct sun
• a natural cold period or stratification (we have stratified the seeds in advance)
• keeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet

Germination can be slow and irregular, often occurring over several months. Young plants typically take a few years to build up a larger tuber before their first flowering.

Utility and collector's value

Arisaema ciliatum is grown primarily as an ornamental and collector's plant. It is especially the dramatic flowers and the exotic appearance that make the species popular among collectors of woodland plants and unusual tuberous plants.

For cobra lily enthusiasts, the species is an exciting supplement to other popular species such as Arisaema consanguineum, Arisaema griffithii, and Arisaema speciosum.

Arisaema ciliatum is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow a spectacular and different woodland plant from seed – a species with an exotic character and high collector's value.