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Question
Hi i have a cobra lily that i bought at Lowe's today it came in a 3.5inch pot would that be OK or should i repot it into a wider/bigger pot? Thanks.
Hello Ean,
As with any plant, size of plant, condition of the potting medium, time of year, and plant condition are all good determiners of when to repot. While the pot is too small for long term growth of this plant, considering it grows to over three feet tall and has extensive root runs out to the sides, it will probably have to do until next year as Darlingtonia need to go dormant in winter. Repotting before dormancy is a bad idea for these temperate plants, particularly ones that are sensitive to root disturbance like Darlingtonia (Cobra Lilies). I the plant looks fine and the soil looks like it is not breaking down, keep it in the pot and place the plant in a good spot for dormancy, where the Venus Flytraps and Sarracenias will overwinter would be fine. Next Fall, repot to a larger pot according to plant size.
Christopher
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Answers by Expert:
Christopher Littrell
Expertise
I am capable of answering questions about the most common carnivorous plants found in cultivation. I have no personal experience with Byblis, Drosophyllum, Aldrovanda, and Heliamphora. I have not cultivated gemmae forming pygmy sundews nor tuberous sundews. For information regarding those aforementioned species, I would suggest contacting other experts. I can answer questions regarding most species of Nepenthes, tropical and temperate Drosera, Mexican Pinguicula, Sarracenias, and Dionaea. I have some limited experience with growing Utricularia, Cephalotus, and Darlingtonia.
Experience
I have grown carnivorous plants off and on for about 27 years. I have made the same mistakes and suffered the same mishaps that many growers make as they attempt to separate the myths from the realities of growing these plants. Currently, I am successfully growing a variety of tropical sundews, a Nepenthes, several Venus Flytraps of varying ages, and Sarracenias. I have been successful in stratifying Sarracenia seeds and providing artificial dormancy requirements for my temperate plants when needed.
Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. Over my lifetime, I have constantly read books involving the growing conditions of carnivorous plants. I hope to incorporate the educational aspects involved in psychology with teaching other people how to cultivate carnivorous plants.
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