Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Chasmanthe floribunda or Cobra lily

The genus Chasmanthe, family Iridaceae, includes 3 species of bulbous perennial plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Chasmanthe floribunda, Chasmanthe aethiopica, Chasmanthe bicolor.

Common names: African flag, Cobra lily. This species is native to Cape Province in South Africa.

They are perennial bulbous plants that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The long leaves (50 cm/1.64 feet in length) are sword-shaped and light green. They produce orange-red tubular flowers on a long spike. They bloom in spring and the resting time is in summer.

Cobra lily are used to form clumps of bulbous plants of different colors.

Chasmanthe floribunda grows in full sun or semi-shade exposure. It does not resist frost.

African flag is not picky about the soil if it is very well drained.

Water frequently but with little amount of water (never flood).

Fertilize monthly with mineral fertilizer during winter and early spring.

Chasmanthe floribunda is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but not to excess watering.

Cobra lily propagates by seeds or by separating the bulblets that the plant itself produces in its corm (bulb).

Image of the bulbous plant Chasmanthe floribunda or Cobra lily