Photo: Cheng-Tao LinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cobra Lily Plant Care
Arisaema consanguineum Schott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking hooded flowers that resemble a cobra, this plant originates from the forests of China and Japan. Arisaema consanguineum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and exotic appearance, adding a touch of intrigue to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Cobra Lily?
Water Cobra Lily every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it filtered sunlight or partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Cobra Lily Native To?
What Is the Cobra Lily?
Cobra Lily (Arisaema consanguineum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Arisaema genus. Cobra Lily is native to the Himalayas, Indochina, and China. Cobra Lily is also known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
Cobra Lily displays a clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Cobra Lily produces unique hooded spathes with a spadix, varying in colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cobra Lily?
Arisaema consanguineum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cobra Lily Need?
Cobra Lily thrives in filtered sunlight or partial shade. Avoid placing Cobra Lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cobra Lily Prefer?
Arisaema consanguineum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cobra Lily prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cobra Lily?
Well-draining, rich organic soil with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Cobra Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cobra Lily?
Feed Cobra Lily every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cobra Lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cobra Lily?
Cobra Lily can be propagated through division of offsets, tuber division, seeds.
Is the Cobra Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic if ingested, may cause skin irritation
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cobra Lily?
Cobra Lily is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cobra Lily Need?
Cobra Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Cobra Lily is native to the Himalayas, Indochina, and China.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Cobra Lily is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Arisaema genus — compare its care with other Arisaema species on PlantoScan.
Arisaema is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Cobra Lily contains compounds toxic to pets — learn which other species to keep from pet-toxic plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Arisaema consanguineum Schott, family Araceae (first published in Bonplandia (Hannover) 7: 27 (1859)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Cobra Lily is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Cheng-Tao Lin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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