Arisaema Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Arisaema plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Dragonroot, Jack in the Pulprit, and Indian Turnip: Cultivation & Garden Use

The common names for the Hardy perennial Arisaema include Dragonroot, Indian turnip and Jack in the pulpit.

Dragonroot is a woodland plant that typically flowers in the early Summer.

Arisaema sikkoianum variegatum by SuperFantastic.

Description of Arisaema

Arisaema are medium sized plants that range between 30 and 90 cm in size. They are a woodland plant that are often grown in gardens due to them being a curious looking plant.

Arisaema have hooded green or cream flowers that have dark stripes. The flowers stand erect and are tubular in nature.

Jack in the Pulprit by Dave Bonta.

How to Grow Arisaema

If you intend to sow Arisaema seeds outdoors, they should be sowed on the surface and lightly covered with soil in the early autumn.

It is quite difficult to germinate Arisaema seedlings indoor. If you intend to do so, then you should first stratify the seeds by placing them in a moistened growth medium within a plastic bag; the bag should then be kept at four degrees celsius by placing in a fridge; for a period of six weeks.

Following this period, the seeds should be sown into pots (lightly covered with soil) and germinated at a temperature of 13 to 15 degrees. The germination process will typically take between one and six months.

Following germination the seedlings should be transplanted in either the spring or autumn into a partly shaded section of the garden, at a spacing of between 20 to 25 cm, and in moist, humus rich soil. The Ideal pH should be around 7.

Caring for Dragonroot and other Arisaema

It is pretty easy to look after Arisaema, they require moist conditions from spring until the middle of Autumn. At other times they can be left in dry conditions.

Ideally they should be composted in the Autumn. It may also be necessary to apply slug pellets to the area containing Arisaema liberally.

Common Questions

How many members does the Arisaema genus have?

The Arisaema genus has about 200 species. Known commonly as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, these plants are appreciated for their unique hooded flowers.

Do members of Arisaema make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Arisaema plants can add a unique and intriguing touch to shady gardens with their distinct, often colorful, inflorescences.

Which Arisaema species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

One of the most frequently grown species is Arisaema triphyllum, commonly known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit or Indian turnip, due to its interesting flower structure.

Are members of the Arisaema plant genus fragrant?

Arisaema plants are not typically known for being fragrant. The focus is more on their unique hooded flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Arisaema?

Arisaema prefers a shady location with moist, well-drained soil. They're perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Is Arisaema invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Arisaema is currently not thought invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Arisaema plants from my garden?

If you need to remove Arisaema, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring you get the entire tuberous root to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Arisaema genus, commonly known as Jack-in-the-pulpit or cobra lily, belongs to the Araceae family. This genus includes over 200 species of perennial plants native to North America, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their distinctive spathes, a type of large bract that envelops a spadix, resembling a pulpit with a figure inside.

Arisaema plants prefer partial to full shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. They are excellent for woodland gardens or shady borders. Most species are dormant in the summer and emerge in spring. While these plants have a unique beauty, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Arisaema. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Arum Lily and Dracunculus plants.