Pitcher Plant Carnivorous Plant Collection

Growing Sarracenia Pitcher Plants

• Generally, plants are best grown in an unheated greenhouse or on a bright, sunny windowsill. While many are perfectly winter hardy, they can get quite tall and are easily damaged by strong winds, so unless you have a sheltered, sunny position in the garden, its best to grow them as a houseplant.
• Because plants naturally grow in nutrient poor bogs, they need a constant supply of water - rain water or deionised water should be used NEVER tap water.
• Like other insectivorous plants, stand pots in water all year round, Sarracenias like to be in around 2-3in (5-7cm) depth of water to replicate their natural bog habitat.
• Exotic, sometimes fragrant Flowers are produced from February and can be removed once they have faded.

Spring/Summer care:

• Keep plants permanently in a tray of rain water to 7cm (3in) deep.
• Don't be tempted to feed plants yourself, they'll catch all that they need themselves. If you must, just leave them outside for a few days in the summer to 'catch up'.
• Never apply fertiliser to the plants.

Autumn/Winter Care

• As autumn approaches, the pitchers will turn brown and your plant will start to die back. This is perfectly normal, and you can safely trim off any dead growth.
• Some Sarracenia will also produce flat, non-carnivorous leaves without pitchers called phyllodia during autumn to help maximise photosynthesis so leave these in place.
• Pitcher plants require a cold winter dormancy period between November and February, otherwise they become weak and will eventually expire. Temperatures in their natural habitats frequently dip below freezing over winter (0°C / 32°F), and so you must provide a cold season for them.
• Typically, if you keep your plants indoors, you will need to move them somewhere colder - next to a window in an unheated shed or garage is ideal.
• The end of the winter dormancy period is a good opportunity to repot - and even divide - your plants, if they require it - you'll know because the plant will look like it's trying to escape from its pot! Use a proprietary carnivorous plant compost.