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COBRA LILY DARLINGTONIA California Pitcher Plant Californica Hardy 5 Seeds

$ 5.27

Availability: 16 in stock
  • Brand: Unbranded
  • Condition: New

    Description

    Cobra Lily, California Pitcher Plant
    Darlingtonia Californica
    Darlingtonia californica, also called the California pitcher plant, cobra lily, or cobra plant, is a species of carnivorous plant. It is native to Northern California and Oregon growing in bogs and seeps with cold running water. This plant is designated as uncommon due to its rarity in the field.
    The name "cobra lily" stems from the resemblance of its tubular leaves to a rearing cobra, complete with a forked leaf - ranging from yellow to purplish-green - that resemble fangs or a serpent's tongue.
    In cultivation in the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
    Note the small entrance to the trap underneath the swollen 'balloon', and the colourless patches that confuse prey trapped inside.
    The cobra plant is not only restricted to nutrient-poor acidic bogs and seepage slopes, but many colonies actually thrive in ultramafic soils, which are in fact basic soils, within its range. In common with most carnivorous plants, the cobra lily is adapted to supplementing its nitrogen requirements through carnivory, which helps to compensate for the lack of available nitrogen in such habitats.
    In addition to the use of lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs common to all North American pitcher plants to force their prey into the trap, this species carefully hides the tiny exit hole from trapped insects by curling it underneath and offering multiple translucent false exits. Upon trying many times to leave via the false exits, the insect will tire and fall down into the trap. The slippery walls and hairs prevent the trapped prey from escaping. The only other species that utilizes this technique is the Parrot Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia psittacina.
    Like many other carnivorous plants of temperate regions, cobra lilies require a cold winter dormancy in order to live long-term. Plants die down to their rhizomes in frigid winters and will maintain their leaves in cool winters during their dormancy period. This period lasts from 3 to 5 months during the year, and all growth stops. As spring approaches, mature plants may send up a single, nodding flower, and a few weeks later the plant will send up a few large pitchers. The plant will continue to produce pitchers throughout the summer, however much smaller than the early spring pitchers.
    Name:
    California Pitcher Plant, Cobra Lily, Darlingtonia californica
    Type:
    Hardy perennial
    Hardiness Zones
    : 7-10 planted outdoors, or grow indoors.
    Height
    : 12-36"
    Seed size
    : Darlingtonia seeds are approximately 2 cm long (varies from 1-3 cm)
    Germination
    These seeds germinate best on dampened sphagnum moss. Soak the moss for 1 hour, then gently squeeze out excess water, but allow some moisture to remain. Place the moss in a container, and sprinkle the seeds on top. Cover the container with plastic to retain moisture, and set the container on a tray of water. Place the container in very bright light, and in a very warm location, ideally 27C, 80F. Once the small plants begin to grow, slowly open the plastic a little each day. Use rain water or bottled water (use a spritz bottle while plants are small) to regularly water plants. Once plants are large enough to transplant, a growing mix consisting two parts sphagnum moss (long fibre type), and one part sand can be used. Be sure to never let these plants dry out. Seeds germinate in approximately 3 months.
    About These Seeds
    These seeds are guaranteed to be true to variety! We have been in the seed business for many years, and our customers have come to rely on us as a reputable supplier. You can rest assured you will receive seeds that are true to what you ordered. Visit our store and see all of the unique seeds we offer!
    Due to seed inventory shortages, and increased demand, shop early for best selection! Once sold out, we will no longer have seeds for this growing season. Orders are reserved when placed!
    Ornamental use only. Do not eat any of our seeds, or the plants or parts that they produce! Due to the fact that about 80% of all plant species are not edible to humans and/or animals (contain toxins/poisons of some kind) these are likely to be poisonous.
    Shipping
    Combined flat-rate shipping, as many items as you would like, or multiples of the same item! The cart will combine shipping for you.
    International shipping: All countries outside of Canada require a seed inspection and a phytosanitary certificate, which is included in the cost of shipping. For USA orders we use this paperwork to get your order over the border (you will not see the certificate as it is taken at the border). Outside of North America, you will see the certificate arrive with your order. Though these certificates are costly, our customers tell us that they appreciate the option to order from us.
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    Always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! Whether it's a question about seeds or plants, or a concern about your order. We always appreciate knowing about your experience. We pride ourselves on providing superior customer service, and quality seeds for your gardens!
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    ~ J. C. Raulston