The Story
Plant Bio
Arisaema serratum, known as Japanese Cobra Lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant with distinctive, palmately divided leaves and unique, hooded flowers that resemble a cobra's head, typically featuring white and purple markings.
The 'Mt Fuji Form' is a select cultivar prized for its striking pseudostem, which is snakeskin green with dramatic vertical white stripes, resembling snow on a mountain. The spathe is typically green and white striped.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moist environments
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late Spring – Late spring
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 2 inches deep in well-draining soil
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Place in partial shade for best growth
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Protect from extreme cold with mulch in winter
Pro Tip
Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil in partial shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during active growing season 💧
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Do not expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from disturbing bulbs during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily questions
What zones can Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily grow in?
Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily bloom?
Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily need full sun?
Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily does best in part shade.
More Arisaema to compare

Japanese Cobra Lily
Arisaema ovale

Jack-in-the-pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum

Himalayan Cobra Lily
Arisaema consanguineum

Nebraska Green Dragon
Arisaema dracontium 'Nebraska'

Farges' Cobra Lily
Arisaema fargesii

Arisaema engleri Green Spathe Form
Arisaema engleri 'Green Spathe Form'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mt Fuji Form Japanese Cobra Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.


