Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, rich, slightly acidic, humusy, well-draining loams in part shade. Tolerant of drier soils than most species of Arisaema. Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture in climates with hot summers. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Arisaema candidissimum, commonly called striped cobra lily, is a tuberous perennial native to oak forests, wooded valleys, and rocky cliffs in western China. A single, three-lobed leaf and the inflorescence emerge from slightly flattened, round, 1-2" diameter tuber. The leaf can reach up to 2' across and is made up of three, ovate-shaped leaflets. The 10" tall inflorescence is of the typical aroid-type and blooms in late spring before the leaf emerges. The leaf-like, cylindrical spathe has a pale pink blushed interior with white venation and pale green exterior with white to purple, vertical stripes. The spathe surrounds the spike-like, green spadix. Will slowly form small clumps via offsets. Mature clumps typically reach 1.5' tall and spread to fill a 2.5' area.
Genus name comes from Greek words aris meaning "arum" and aima meaning "red", in reference to the red-blotched leaves found on some species.
The specific epithet candidissimum means "the most white", in reference to the pale color of the inflorescence.
The common name striped cobra refers to both the shape of the inflorescence, which is said to resemble the head of a cobra, and the vertical striations on the interior and exterior of the blooms.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems.
Uses
Specimen plant for the front of mixed borders or woodland gardens edges. Suitable for use in containers.