Large flowering size tubers offered to flower the same year.

One of the most amazing, tuberous rooted plant from the Aroid family. Commonly known the Cobra Lily and Jack in the Pulpit, the large bracts take the shape of the inflated hood of a Cobra. These fascinating plants are a growers challenge and delight.

Cultivation: (By Udai C. Pradhan) in Pots. Use pot size 15-20cm dia for medium size tubers and 25-30 cm dia for larger size tubers, Make sure the pots have good drainage holes. Use humus rich soil, garden soil, horticultural and 1 part of grit in equal proportions. Pots are filled 1/3 of the bottom with rough grits are broken crocks for good drainage. Add 1 cm of compost for rhizomatous-cylindrical tubers like those of Arisaema speciosum and 2 to 4 cm of compost for depressed-globose tubers like those of Arisaema griffithii. Tubers are placed in the center of the pot and covered with compost leaving 2.5 cm space form the rim.

Once potted they should be watered sparingly when their new roots are shoot emerging, thus minimizing the chances of the tuber rot.

When the root system has developed and leaves begin to unfold from the leaf-sheates, they can be watered regularly and fertilized with slow release fertilizers.

Once the flowering is complete and the leaves turn yellow, watering should be discontinued and tubers given rest during their dormancy period.

The same can be followed for outdoor bed plantings. For most species outdoors the tubers can be left in the ground during the winters and will emerge again in spring.

For more information please visit our Books section. Himalayan Cobra-lilies (Arisaema) -Their Botany and Culture (2nd Revised Edition), 1997.By Udai C. Pradhan was the first book on Arisaema and had the complete cultural guide on the genus makes this an invaluable publication for hobbyists and commercial growers.