Araceae
Friar's cowl: Complete Care Guide
Arisarum vulgare
Provide a cool, shaded environment with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist during the growing season from autumn to spring, but allow it to dry out completely during summer dormancy.
Every 10 days
Partial shade
5° - 25°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Friar's cowl?
Friar's cowl (Arisarum vulgare) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Arisarum vulgare, commonly known as Friar's Cowl, is a tuberous perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is recognized by its unique spathe, which is curved and striped, resembling a monk's hood or cowl. The plant features arrow-shaped green leaves and thrives in shaded rocky areas or w...
Friar's cowl grows up to 30cm, spread of 20cm, watering every 10 days, 5°C â 25°C, 40â70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Friar's cowl?
TLDR: Friar's cowl needs Partial shade, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 5-25°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Friar's cowl?
Water regularly when the plant is active in winter and spring, but stop watering entirely when the leaves turn yellow in summer.
How Much Light Does Friar's cowl Need?
Prefers dappled shade or indirect light; avoid direct midday sun which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Friar's cowl?
Use a mix of loam and grit to ensure excellent drainage while retaining some organic matter.
What Pot Should You Use for Friar's cowl?
Deep terracotta pots to accommodate the tuber and provide breathability.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Friar's cowl and Where Does It Come From?
Arisarum vulgare, commonly known as Friar's Cowl, is a tuberous perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is recognized by its unique spathe, which is curved and striped, resembling a monk's hood or cowl. The plant features arrow-shaped green leaves and thrives in shaded rocky areas or woodlands. It enters dormancy during the hot summer months, with foliage reappearing in autumn.
How to Propagate Friar's cowl?
Tuber Division
- Ensure the tubers are firm and healthy before replanting.
- Wear gloves as the sap can cause skin irritation.
- 1 Lift Tubers
Carefully dig up the plant once the foliage has completely died back in summer.
- 2 Separate Offsets
Gently detach the small daughter tubers from the main parent tuber.
- 3 Replant
Plant the tubers 5-8 cm deep in fresh, well-draining soil and keep dry until autumn.
Materials needed:
Sowing Seeds
- Seeds require a period of cold to break dormancy.
- Be patient as germination can be erratic.
- 1 Collect Seeds
Harvest seeds from the berries once they are fully ripe.
- 2 Sow
Sow seeds in a cold frame using a sandy compost mix.
- 3 Germination
Maintain consistent moisture and wait for natural temperature fluctuations to trigger growth.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Friar's cowl Grow?
TLDR: Friar's cowl can reach up to 30cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
30cm
Spread
20cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional topical treatment for wounds
- Historical use as a stimulant
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with mystery and protection due to its hooded appearance.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
