How to Grow Pitcher Plant
Sarracenia purpurea
Sarracenia purpurea is a surprisingly hardy carnivorous perennial that survives temperatures down to -20°C. It produces dramatic coloured pitcher tubes that trap and digest insects, making it ideal for bog gardens or permanently wet, acidic containers. Use only rainwater or distilled water — tap water and fertiliser will kill it. Plant in a mix of peat and perlite or sphagnum moss in full sun. It goes dormant in winter and must not be kept warm.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Do not feed. Sarracenia obtains all nutrients from trapped insects. Fertiliser will kill the plant.
Watch For
- Root rot from tap water minerals
- Aphids on new pitchers in spring
- Botrytis in stagnant wet conditions
Companions
Sphagnum moss, Drosera (sundew), Bog rosemary, Cotton grass
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Requires maximum direct sunlight for strong pitcher coloration and healthy growth. Pitchers become pale and weak in shade.
Watering
Permanently wet, rainwater only
Keep the tray or bog permanently topped up with rainwater or distilled water. Never use tap water. The growing medium must never dry out.
Fertilizing
Never fertilise
Sarracenia obtains all nutrients from trapped insects. Any fertiliser will burn the roots and kill the plant. Leave the pitchers to do their work.
Pruning
Remove dead pitchers in late winter
Cut away blackened and collapsed pitchers before new growth emerges. Do not cut back green pitchers during the growing season.
Growing Tips
Rainwater only
Never use tap water — the minerals and lime will kill a carnivorous plant within weeks. Use only collected rainwater or distilled water.
No fertiliser, ever
Sarracenia gets all its nutrients from trapped insects. Adding fertiliser will burn the roots and kill the plant. Leave the pitchers to do their work.
Winter dormancy is essential
Do not try to keep the plant growing through winter. It must experience a cold dormancy period of at least 3 months below 10°C to remain healthy long-term.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Mature height | 35 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Hardy carnivorous perennial for bog gardens or permanently wet containers. Allow space for pitchers to develop fully. Never use tap water or fertiliser.
