General Care Sheet for: Pitcher
Plants (Sarracenia)
Soil Needs:
The Pitcher
plant LOVES (like most other CP’s) soil that provides good drainage. I
personally use the standard 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite. And of
course, DON’T use potting soil.
Water Needs:
Your plant would appreciate being left in standing water and that their
soil be moist at all times. Of course don’t let the soil drain dry out
and use mineral free water for best results.
Pond: If you’re going to grow your plant in a pond,
DON’T:
A) Let the water be over halfway up the pot.
B) Drown the crown.
Sunlight needs:
When your plant enters the growing season they prefer full sun and about
6 hours of it, for vigorous growth, give them 6 hours of direct
sunlight. Turns out, your plant can survive on 4-6 hours of direct
light, but if below full hours, they will require ambient light
for the rest of the day.
Where to Grow:
Grow your soon to be beautiful plant outdoors, in the sunny garden or
patio. You can, of course, grow them in a pond. Just avoid putting them
directly into the ground unless you have a specific bog type of area
made up for them.
Winter is coming!
During winter, your plant will retain most of their leaves. Although
they will develop brown spots/Turn brown, this is perfectly normal as
your plant has entered its dormancy period.
Your plant will require 3-4 months dormancy and would appreciate being
left in standing water.
If you live in an area where it gets to -7C for prolonged periods of
time, you will need to cover them to keep them nice and warmish.
Spring?
As spring approaches and the weather starts to get slightly warmer and
light conditions improve, your plant will start to wake up. In this
time, Early Spring cut off all of last year’s leaves to make way for the
beauty which is the new growth! YAY!
So what about repotting?
You should really repot your plants yearly. Usually the best time to do
so is in early spring. You can pretty much however do it whenever you
like, but you need to minimize root disturbance. Changing the soil
yearly will increase the robustness of your plants.
When you go to choose a new pot go for the tall pots. As your plant has
a long root system, the more room to grow the more robust and larger
your plant will get. Remember also that larger pots also offer more
protection during the winter and summer months where severe weather
might set in.
So, Basically;
~ Grow your plants outside where they will receive 6 hours of sunlight
~ Grow your plants in long pots with the right soil mix, 1 part peat
moss and 1 part perlite (or 2 parts perlite for extra drainage).
~ Near winter, do not be concerned with brown spots/brown leaves, this
is normal. Your plant is entering its ever so important dormancy stage.
~ Repot yearly and in early spring when you go to trim back the leaves
of last year’s growing season.
I do hope this care sheet helps,
ERAGrow.