Also known as Cobra-Lily
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Arisaema speciosum, the Showy cobra-lily, is a striking perennial tuberous herb from the Himalayas, featuring a unique hooded spathe and spadix.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce when dormant.
Rich, well-draining soil
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Enjoys cool to moderate temperatures during growth (15-24°C). Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season, but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly once the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late summer or early autumn.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially during dormancy.
Remove any dead or yellowing foliage during the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent disease. Cut back all dead stems and leaves once the plant has fully died back in autumn or early winter.
This helps prepare the plant for its dormant period.
Propagate Arisaema speciosum by dividing the corms in spring before new growth begins. Alternatively, sow fresh seeds in autumn or early spring in a well-draining, moist medium.
Germination can be slow and erratic, requiring patience and consistent conditions.
Repot the plant every 2-3 years, or when the pot becomes too small, ideally in early spring before active growth commences. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and loam.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Showy Cobra-Lily (Arisaema speciosum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Arisaema |
| Species | Arisaema speciosum |
Similar in genus Arisaema
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
