Red Cobra Lily (Arisaema consanguineum) | seeds, 10 pcs.

• Latin name: Arisaema consanguineum
• Danish names: Red Cobra lily
• English names: Red Cobra lily, Himalayan cobra lily

Arisaema consanguineum is an elegant and distinctive tuberous plant from the Himalayas, China, and northern India, where it grows in moist woodland areas and on mountain slopes. The species is particularly known for its very characteristic leaves, which consist of many long, narrow leaflets arranged almost like an umbrella.

The plant develops a dramatic inflorescence with a hood-shaped spathe in green and purple shades, as well as a long, thread-like spadix that often hangs decoratively from the flower. The combination of exotic flowering and elegant foliage makes the species one of the most popular cobra lilies among collectors.

Compared to Arisaema ciliatum, Arisaema consanguineum typically has a more elegant and light appearance with narrower leaves and a slimmer flower shape, while A. ciliatum often appears more robust and dramatic.

Cultivation and requirements

Arisaema consanguineum thrives best in partial shade to light shade and prefers:

• humus-rich and well-drained soil
• even moisture during the growing season
• sheltered and cool conditions

A nutrient-rich, forest floor-like soil with high organic content is ideal. During the growing season, it can be supplemented with a mild, organic fertilizer to support healthy growth.

The species is relatively hardy and can be grown outdoors in Denmark in a sheltered location with well-drained soil. However, the tuber does not tolerate standing winter moisture.

In winter, the plant enters dormancy and withers away before shooting again in the spring.

Cultivation from seeds

Seeds of Arisaema consanguineum germinate best with patience and natural temperature shifts. For best results, we recommend:

• sowing in moist, humus-rich soil
• placing in a bright location, but without direct sunlight
• a natural cold period or stratification (we have already stratified the seeds)
• keeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet

Germination can be slow and irregular, often occurring over several months. Young plants typically take a few years to build up a larger tuber before their first flowering.

Utility and collector value

Arisaema consanguineum is primarily grown as an ornamental and collector's plant. It is especially the elegant leaves and the distinctive flowers that make the species so popular among collectors of exotic forest floor plants.

For enthusiasts of cobra lilies, the species is an obvious addition to other exciting species such as Arisaema ciliatum, Arisaema griffithii and Arisaema speciosum.

Arisaema consanguineum is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow an elegant and unusual forest floor plant entirely from seed – a species with an exotic character, beautiful foliage, and high collector value.