Darlingtonia californica

A lone member of the genus, Darlingtonia californica is native to Northern California and Oregon, in the western areas of the United States. Its tall and slender pitchers arch at the tip, earning it the common name of ‘Cobra Lily’ due to its resemblance. Darlingtonia californica prefers to grow in a cool and temperate climate, so ensure it does not get too hot during the summer months. Keep away from hot conservatories. Some of the old pitchers will die off over the autumn months. Cut off some dead parts regularly, but not all at once so the plant can absorb nutrients from remaining traps. 

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist using rainwater or soft water only, as lime within our tap water can be absorbed by carnivorous plants and lead to rot. During late spring and summer months keep plants standing in around 2-3cm of rainwater to keep soil moist. During the winter months reduce watering and keep the plant in a cool but humid spot. A sheltered outdoor space may be ideal, to keep the plant away from sources of heat. 

Light requirements

Full sun, although keep sheltered from harsh afternoon rays in the summer. Provide with plenty of water during particularly sunny months.

Feed

No need for fertiliser as the traps will attract insects to digest for nutrients. If there are no flies where the plant is kept indoors, place the Sarracenia in an outdoor space on a warm, sunny day. 

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years using a carnivorous plant compost to provide the plant with a little room to grow. It may be possible to divide the plant or keep it as a large specimen. 

Pot size / height

See available sizes below. Please note that, due to their natural variability, specimens' height may be within 10-20% of the stated height below.

Plant is supplied in its plastic nursery pot.