How to Feed a Carnivorous Cobra Plant

The carnivorous cobra plant, or cobra lily, is indigenous to Northern California and Southern Oregon. The cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica) is a carnivorous plant of the pitcher variety. Pitcher plants lure insects into their interiors with a sweet nectar; once inside, the insects slide down the plant's slippery surface interior into a pool of digestive enzymes. The cobra lily is a complicated plant to grow, but it is easier to cultivate than most carnivorous plants.

Things You'll Need

• Flies or insects

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place your plant in a location with plenty of sunshine, warmth and that is relatively humid. Plant your cobra lily in moss to replicate its natural environment.

   • 2

     Water your cobra lily daily. The roots of the cobra lily need to be kept cooler than the rest of the plant. Cool the roots by placing ice cubes on top of the soil, but away from the plant's leaves.

   • 3

     Drop flies or other insects into your plant about every six weeks. Carnivorous plants devour insects to supplement their diets, since the soil in their natural environment is low in nutrients.