Cobra Lily
chasmanthe floribunda
Also known as: ["African Corn Lily","Orange Iris"]
Overview
A striking South African bulbous plant known for its vibrant orange-red flowers that resemble cobra heads, blooming in late winter to early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Chasmanthe |
| Botanical Name: | Chasmanthe floribunda |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny position
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent corm rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or bulb-specific mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in fall after foliage dies back.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning (removal of flowers and dead foliage).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; ensure good air circulation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormant period
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in cool coastal climates; tolerates mild frosts.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in fall; use a low-nitrogen formula for bulbs.
Propagation
Methods
Division of corms; separate offsets after flowering when foliage dies back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature corms.
- Separate small offsets.
- Replant at the same depth as parent corms.
- Water lightly.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after flowering and when foliage has withered.
Environment
Warm, slightly shaded location with moderate humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with added perlite or sand).
Hormone
Not required for corm division.
Timeline
Offsets establish quickly in one growing season; flowering may take 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves.
Quick Tips
Replant offsets immediately to prevent drying; ensure each offset has a portion of the base plate.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut foliage only after it has completely died back.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage bulb growth; cut back dead foliage after it yellows and withers.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; wait for foliage to yellow before cutting; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after flowering and when foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger if repotting; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift corms; remove old, shriveled corms; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when corms become crowded or every 2–3 years; best done during dormancy.
Checklist
Check for crowded corms; use fresh soil; maintain planting depth; ensure drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce water in dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth (spring/summer); reduce watering significantly in fall as foliage dies back; keep soil dry during dormancy (winter).
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage foliage; prolonged cold may affect bulb health.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid waterlogging in cold soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves and reduce flowering; may go dormant prematurely.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Chasmanthe floribunda, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's toxins disrupt normal physiological processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Chasmanthe floribunda by dogs can lead to severe toxic effects, including gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological symptoms due to the plant's toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicChasmanthe floribunda contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress when ingested. The toxins interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Chasmanthe bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in autumn, about 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Q: Does Chasmanthe floribunda attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Chasmanthe floribunda toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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