These carnivorous plants trap and kill insects by luring them into their trumpet-shaped pitchers.
The insects tumble down into the pitcher, where they are trapped.
Eventually, the insects die, and their nutrients are absorbed by the plant for nourishment through special cells.
Wetland destruction and poaching have led to a dramatic decimation of pitcher plants in their native habitats.
The plants grow from rhizomes and bloom for two to three weeks in the spring.
They develop new pitchers, or leaves, in spring and summer.
Pair it with other moisture-loving plants that thrive in acidic soil.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery pot and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart depending on the height of the variety.
Light
The bog garden should be infull sunto promote full leaf coloration and strong, upright growth.
One of the biggest mistakes is to keep the plant too wet.
Consider irrigation hoses andrubber pond linersto create the proper environment for pitcher plants.
Soil acidity is equally important.
To double-check the soil has the requiredpH of 3.0 to 5.0, do a soil test before planting.
The plants do best in medium to high humidity.
When overwintering the plants indoors, keep the soil lightly moist.
Potting and Repotting Pitcher Plant
Pots make it easy to enjoy pitcher plants.
Fill an 8-inch plastic containerplastic is best because it will retain moisture wellwith half peat and halfperlite or vermiculite.
Do not use potting soil and fertilizer for pitcher plants, both have the potential to kill pitcher plants.
Place the container in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Set the pot in a tray filled with water.
The constant moisture will keep the peat and perlite mixture wet, creating a bog-like environment.
Pests and Problems
Sarracenia are generally resistant to serious pests and diseases.
The plant attractsaphids,especially in early spring and fall.
You might also findscale insectsand mealybugs on the plants, especially under the trap folds.
Wash them off with a strong spray of water.
If you find moth larvae, remove them manually.
Leaf spots and root rot may also occur.
How to Propagate Pitcher Plant
Pitcher plants can be propagated bydividing a mature plant.
Look for a strong, healthy rhizome that is anchored into the ground with roots.
Carefully dig out the rhizome without damaging its roots.
Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant.
Planting the sections in pots is usually preferable, as it gives you better control over the soil moisture.
It has upright narrow leaves adapted into pitchers with round mouths and a semi-upright open flap covering them.
The nodding long-petalled flowers are chartreuse and appear in spring.
It grows 12 to 32 inches tall.
The pitchers resemble those of the yellow pitcher plant but with a light chocolate veining.
It grows 10 to 18 inches tall.
The plant reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches.
It was cloned from a pitcher plant that originated in Ocean County, New Jersey.
The pitchers are brilliant red with chartreuse veining and cherry-red umbrella-like flowers appear in April and May.
It can be in partial shade or full sun, however, the soil must never dry out.
Zone 10-11
Corkscrew Rush
The curious corkscrew rush (Juncus effususssp.spiralis) loves wet orboggy conditions.
It makes a fascinating architectural accent in planters, beds, and moist borders.
It’s technically leafless, with green cylindrical stems that are pointed at the tip.
Plant rush alongside streams and ponds, though it will tolerate dryer conditions elsewhere.
It’s excellent incontainer gardens.
Zone 5-11
Frequently Asked Questions
At home in soggy soil, pitcher plants have exacting growing requirements.
Indoor gardening and pitcher plants usually don’t mix.
