How to grow Cobra Lilies?

Frank Udovicic (franku@pican.pi.csiro.au)
Thu, 17 Aug 1995 10:31:41 +1000 (EST)

G'day everyone,
I have just joined this group and would like some advice,
re. Cobra lilies.
A brief background: I live in Canberra, Australia. I have been growing
cps for about six years. I grow VFT, lots of Sarras, Cephalotus and
Droseras. I grow these outside, all year round, in full sun for nearly the
whole day. They are exposed to the rain and this is supplemented by tap
water. About a third of the Sarras are in pots in trays and the rest
are in big undrained tubs that act as mini-bogs. I use 3 peat: 1 sand.
Now to my questions: growing medium?, amount of light? &
watering method for Cobra lilies?
-Is sphagnum better than peat and sand?
-Most books recommend less light than for Sarras, is this necessary? I
was contemplating putting the Cobra in a spot with about three hours of
morning sun and then full shade for the rest of the day.
-It would seem that keeping the roots cool is essential (hence the old
methods of applying ice!). From my reading they also seem to dislike
stagnant water, which rules out using a tray, or has anyone used the tray
method successfully? Does this mean that you water them from above? Is it
preferable to use a styrofoam or terracotta pot, rather than black plastic?

By the way, I will probably purchase a fairly advanced plant rather than
a small seedling.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated by me and the plant!
Thanks,
Frank Udovicic