White-striped Cobra Lily Arisaema candidissimum
ABOUT
Arisaema candidissimum, commonly known as the white-striped cobra lily, is a distinctive perennial that boasts a unique appearance. This plant features a single leaf which unfolds to reveal a tripartite structure, each section displaying multiple leaflets with a lush green coloration and a smooth texture. The most striking feature of the white-striped cobra lily is its inflorescence, a hood-like spathe with a soft, captivating pinkish hue on the outside, while the inside reveals a brilliant white color with stripes of pink or magenta. This floral bract gracefully arches over, resembling the hood of a cobra, hence the name. Within this spathe lies a central spadix that protrudes outward, giving the plant an exotic and somewhat mysterious expression. As the season progresses, the plant produces a cluster of bright red berries that add yet another layer of visual interest, contrasting against the green foliage. This unusual and elegant plant adds a touch of the extraordinary to any shaded garden space, where its unique form can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
White Sails, Stripe-leaved Cobra Lily, Chinese Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Common names
Arisaema candidissimum.
ToxicityTo humans
White stripe cobra lily contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include difficulty swallowing, drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, and even contact with mucous membranes can cause irritation. It is important to seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
White stripe cobra lily is also toxic to pets, primarily due to the calcium oxalate crystals it contains. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it could suffer from oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, swelling of the airways could lead to difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Arisaema candidissimum, commonly known as the white-striped cobra lily, has a unique and striking appearance, making it a desirable ornamental plant for gardens and collections.
- Shade tolerance: This plant can thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, which makes it useful for underplanting and adding diversity to woodland gardens.
- Low maintenance: Once established, the white-striped cobra lily typically requires minimal care, making it an attractive option for gardeners looking to reduce their workload.
- Drought resistance: The species is relatively drought-tolerant, meaning it can survive in conditions with less water, which is beneficial in dry climates or during water restrictions.
- Seasonal interest: Its distinctive flowers bloom in spring, providing seasonal interest and enhancing the beauty of garden spaces during that time.
- Attracts pollinators: While the flowers are not overly showy, they can still attract pollinators such as flies and beetles, which contribute to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
- Resilience to pests: The white-striped cobra lily is not commonly affected by pests, adding to its appeal as a low-maintenance garden plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Arisaema candidissimum, also known as the White Stripe Cobra Lily, can be used in garden design for its striking spathe and foliage, which add an exotic touch to shade gardens or woodland settings.
- The tubers of the White Stripe Cobra Lily can be used as a food source for certain wildlife, providing essential nutrition to animals within its ecosystem.
- In colder regions, the plant acts as a natural indicator of spring's arrival, as it is one of the earlier plants to sprout, thus helping gardeners know when to start planting other species.
- The dried spathes of the White Stripe Cobra Lily can be used in floral arrangements or crafts, adding a distinctive shape and texture when used decoratively.
- The plant can be used as a natural pest deterrent in the garden due to its unique chemical compounds that some pests find unattractive.
- The White Stripe Cobra Lily can be utilized in educational settings such as botanical gardens, where it can aid in teaching about plant reproduction and biodiversity.
- The roots can be used in small scale to extract tannins for experimental natural dyeing processes in textiles, given the complexity and variety of compounds present in the plant.
- Its unique appearance, with a hood-like spathe, can inspire artists and designers in creating patterns, prints, or sculptures that mimic its form.
- White Stripe Cobra Lily can be grown as a collector's plant, its rarity and uniqueness making it a prized specimen among exotic plant enthusiasts.
- Hobbyists may cultivate the White Stripe Cobra Lily for competitive purposes, showcasing the plant in horticultural competitions and exhibitions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Arisaema candidissimum, commonly known as the white-striped cobra lily, has a distinctive appearance with its striped patterns. This reflects individuality and the celebration of one's unique characteristics.
- Mystery and Allure: The white-striped cobra lily possesses a mysterious allure, partly due to its resemblance to a snake poised to strike; this symbolizes the mysterious aspects of life and nature's enigmatic beauty.
- Transformation: As a perennial, the white-striped cobra lily dies back each year to return anew, symbolizing rebirth and the continuous cycle of change and transformation in life.
WaterThe White Stripe Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema candidissimum) prefers consistently moist soil during its growing season, which is in the spring and early summer. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to soak deep into the soil, which may amount to about 1 inch of water per week. However, always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid over-watering; the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after the plant's foliage dies back and during its dormancy in the late summer and fall. During the dormant period, only water lightly every few weeks to prevent the soil from completely drying out, which might only require a couple of ounces to maintain slight moisture.
LightWhite Stripe Jack-in-the-Pulpit thrives best in partial to full shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Direct, intense sunlight can be harmful to the plant and cause the leaves to scorch. Thus, an ideal location might be under the canopy of a deciduous tree, where the plant is protected during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureWhite Stripe Jack-in-the-Pulpit is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, meaning it can survive minimum temperatures down to -10°F and should be protected or mulched if temperatures drop significantly below this range during winter.
PruningPruning is typically not required for the White Stripe Jack-in-the-Pulpit. However, you may remove spent flower stalks after the flowers have faded or cut back the foliage after it has yellowed and died back in the fall. This can help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent any potential disease spread. The best time for any necessary pruning is late fall or early winter, after the plant has entered dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the White Striped Cobra Lily, a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter is best. A mixture of loam, peat, and perlite in equal parts can provide the drainage and nutrients needed. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingThe White Striped Cobra Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years as it is a slow-growing plant. Repotting is best done in the spring just before the growing season when the corms start to wake up from dormancy.
Humidity & MistingThe White Striped Cobra Lily prefers a humid environment with humidity levels around 60-70%. This plant thrives in moist air, especially during the growing season, but can tolerate lower humidity levels as long as the soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White Striped Cobra Lily in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant White Striped Cobra Lily in shade and moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleArisaema candidissimum, commonly known as the striped cobra lily, begins its life cycle when the seeds are dispersed by wind or animals and germinate in the moist, well-drained soil they favor. After germination, a corm, which is a swollen underground stem, forms and serves as a storage organ, allowing the plant to survive unfavourable conditions. Each year, the corm sends up a single leaf that unfurls into a tripartite structure, providing energy through photosynthesis. Once the plant reaches maturity, which may take several years, it produces a striking hooded flower known as a spathe, surrounding a spadix, which houses the actual flowers and can be pollinated by flies attracted to its scent. Pollination results in berry-like seeds that are typically red when ripe, completing the reproductive stage. In the dormant phase during winter, the corm survives underground until favorable conditions return in the spring, restarting the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Arisaema candidissimum, commonly known as the striped cobra lily, is through seed sowing. Optimal seed sowing is done in autumn directly after the seeds are ripe. To propagate, one should plant the seeds in a cold frame as soon as they are obtained from the plant. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy; this is naturally provided by the winter months. It's essential to use a well-draining soil medium and keep the seeds consistently moist. Seedling emergence may take several months, and it will be a few years before they flower. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out into their final position in the garden.
