Description
This cobra lily from Nepal, northeastern India and southwestern China produces a large, reddish inflorescence in summer, clothed in a stunning dark purple or almost black spathe with vertical white stripes. The inflorescence and the spathe produce a long, whip-like tip. The glossy, single leaf has three large lobes. The foliage dies in fall and the plant hibernates as a bulbous rhizome and can survive even severe freezes with a little mulch. It is considered hardy down to at least USDA Zone 6 and must have moist but very well drained soil and a spot in filtered sun to look its best.
Germination Guide
🌍 Himalaya to western Yunnan (China) and northern Myanmar
Moderate
Arisaema speciosum, commonly known as the Double-Whip Cobra Lily, is a striking tuberous perennial native to the eastern Himalayas and adjacent regions. It produces distinctive purple and white striped hooded spathes with elongated spadix appendages, accompanied by large trifoliate leaves with reddish margins. Seeds germinate readily at intermediate temperatures without requiring cold stratification, making it moderately easy to propagate from fresh seed.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
21 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 15°C
Ideal 20°C
Max 22°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
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Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds for 24 hours in tepid water before sowing. This softens the seed coat and removes germination inhibitors from the fruit pulp.
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Additional notes
No scarification or stratification needed. Seeds require soaking and light for germination.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Free-draining sterile seed compost or a high-quality mix of multipurpose compost, vermiculite, and perlite (equal parts)
Recommended container
7-9 cm square pots or clear plastic containers with lids
Growing Tips
Surface sow seeds on moist substrate and maintain light exposure throughout germination—light is essential. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use clear containers with lids to maintain humidity and light penetration. Seeds typically germinate within 3-6 weeks at 20°C. Do not disturb seedlings for 2 years before repotting; allow them to develop tubers. Some seedlings may exhibit hypogeal germination (developing only a tuber with no visible leaf) in the first season—this is normal and they will leaf out in the second year. Protect young plants before moving to permanent outdoor locations. Fresh seed performs best; older or improperly stored seed may fail.
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