Are Carnivorous Bromeliads Truly Carnivorous? And What About Cobra Lilies?

John asks if bromeliads sold as carnivorous (e.g., Brocchinia reducta, B. hechtioides, Catopsis berteroniana) are legit, and if cobra lilies are misrepresented.

Bromeliads: Yes, Carnivorous

• Recognized by specialized insect-trapping adaptations.
• No digestive enzymes—rely on bacteria/symbionts (like S. purpurea).
• SNW grows them; they catch insects.

Cobra Lilies

• Darlingtonia californica (cobra plant) is truly carnivorous—specialized traps, bacterial digestion.
• Other "cobra lilies" (Arisaema, Dracunculus) are foul-smelling fly-pollinated flowers, not carnivorous.
• Floral trade mislabels some Sarracenia as cobra lilies.

See SNW podcast: YouTube link.