American Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia)
These plants have leaves that have evolved into a funnel or pitcher shape in order to trap insects. They are native to the USA and Canada, from Eastern Texas through to Florida, and all the way up to British Columbia.
Watering
Please keep my tray full with water all the time, right throughout the year. I come from a swamp and I like it very wet. It’s okay if my tray gets dry for a day, but please try to keep me standing in water.
It’s best to just fill my tray, my special soil mix will give me what I need.
Light
Full to part sun. The more I can tan, the better my colours. If I don’t get enough light, I will struggle to keep my pitchers upright.
Where to Keep Me
NZ is far from my home but has very similar weather. I love a hot day and don’t mind cold, even if it snows. I can live outside or inside on a windowsill.
Dormancy
Each year, like you, I need a break. As I can’t leave my pot, I rest over winter. Don’t worry, I may look like I am dying but I am not, just keep watering me as normal.
Feeding
I will catch my own food, but feel free to drop something in my pitchers. I love flies, spiders and any other bugs.
Please do not use fertilisers on me as a lot will harm me more than they will help me.
Soil Recipe
I live in a special mix of sphagnum peat moss, perlite and sand. I can also live in long fiber sphagnum, the one from NZ is the best in the world I hear. If you need to repot me, please do not use regular soil, I will not survive.