Pitcher Plants Care Guide

Vegetarians might object to the consumption of meat, but with pitcher plants, there’s no such objections. Pitcher plants are fascinating carnivores known to digest entire rodents and lizards whole. In the native tropical habitat, their pitchers can grow to monstrous proportions, which they use to lure in unsuspecting prey with their sweet-smelling nectar – the definition of sweet but psycho. 

For most growers, part of the attraction lies in their voracious appetites – and their requirement for a “blood meal.” Fully grown, they’re quite a sight: a mass of green cascading downwards; pitchers the size of a human fist dangling, swollen and stippled mauve. 

Whether you’re encountering a fruit fly infestation or want to explore stranger fare, pitcher plants are unusual plants that can enhance the uniqueness of your home. 

 

Types of Pitcher Plants 

Pitcher plants commonly fall into two categories: the Nepenthes (tropical pitchers), and Sarracenia (trumpet pitchers) genus. Trumpet pitchers belong to the Sarraceniaceae family, which includes three genera: Sarracenia (North American pitcher plants), Darlingtonia (California pitcher plant), and Heliamphora. 

Occasionally, members of the Cephalotaceae family are also mentioned. Nepenthes is the classic tropical pitcher, with a pendulous, somewhat bulgy shape, and is the variety recommended for beginners. By contrast, Sarracenia does better outdoors in full light conditions and can be a struggle for novices. The Nepenthes genus comprises around 170 species while the North American genus has only 8 – 11 species, with numerous cultivated subspecies and forms.  

• Nepenthes alata: A plant popular endemic to the Philippines, it’s popular with beginners. The pitchers are well sized, growing up to 8 inches tall, and speckled with purple-red.  
• Purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea): The plant’s leaves are distinctive, ruffled, and veined with purple. Like all members in its genus, it is native to the New World and can be found in bogs and marshes scattered across North America. 
• Nepenthes ventricosa: One of the hardiest pitcher plants, it’s named for the swell of its pitchers. It’s a great houseplant that is readily adaptable. As it matures, its scalloped peristome (collar) becomes more pronounced.
• Red Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia rubra): Also known as sweet pitcher plant, the pitchers are narrowly shaped, glowing red in the morning sun. As there’s no clear consensus on how pitcher plants are classified, it is often conflated with the purple pitcher plant.  

Guide to Caring for Your Pitcher Plants

Pitcher plants do best in conditions that mimic their native habitats – wet, marshy areas with acidic pH levels. In home environments, they prefer slightly acidic soil that is a porous mix of organic material, sand, and peat moss. They are often grown as houseplants, though for Sarracenia, they are normally grown outdoors in artificial bogs designed for a smorgasbord of carnivorous plants. Plastic pots are recommended for pitcher plants, though an unglazed ceramic pot will suffice. 

Light

Low-care pitcher plants enjoy a moderate level of sunlight and will be happy on a south-facing windowsill. In some instances, more humidity can compensate for the lack of sunlight. Some cultivars are more susceptible to sun and can burn under scorching conditions. Those that require full sun are best grown outdoors. Sarracenia may need LED grow lights to help moderate their light cycles, with timers set from sunrise to sunset. 

Soil

As it can be difficult to replicate the exact conditions, look for specifically formulated growing soil designed for plants growing in bog habitats, as that will be the most conducive. Nepenthes are able to tolerate a wide range of soil mixes, but the general consensus is that they prefer well-draining, fluffy soil. They can be achieved with a sphagnum moss substrate and a blend of coarse materials: perlite, orchid bark, pumice, sand or charcoal. 

Water

Use only distilled water or rainwater for your pitcher plants, as they are highly sensitive to chlorinated tap water. Water high in dissolved solids can be harmful because these solids are not present in their native habitats. Water your pitcher plants every 2 – 3 weeks. Dry or drooping pitchers are a sign that they need to be watered – if left to become bone-dry, pitchers will drop en masse, and recovery may take a long time. 

Fertilizer 

During the growing season, pitcher plants need to be fed every two to three weeks. If your pitcher plants are having trouble capturing insects, add a few drops of diluted fertilizer to the pitchers. Do not feed into the soil, which can prove detrimental to the growth of the plant, but feed directly into the pitchers. Consider using mini freeze-dried crickets or even fish food that can be bought at a local pet store to supplement its diet. 

Pruning 

Avoid pruning during the growing season and only prune in late winter or early spring. Prune off any brown or shriveled leaves, never more than one-third of the plant. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you fill pitchers with water?  

There is a controversy regarding filling pitcher plants up with water to replenish it and help it digest food. It’s not something that’s widely accepted, especially among mass growers, but it likely won’t cause harm to your pitcher plants. In the wild, they have evolved to be usually around one-third full, and some gardeners may add in water when they notice the water level dropping drastically. 

Can you feed your plants fish food?

One foodstuff that is easily procured is fish flakes, and that’s what some gardeners have been feeding their plants as an alternative to insects. The answer is yes – as long as there are no harmful additives (check the label), pitcher plants can benefit from fish food during the growing season. Be sure to test in small doses, as pitcher plants can respond differently under different conditions. 

What varieties can capture a mouse? 

Nepenthes truncata × ephippiata is a gigantic pitcher plant with massive, vaulted lids that can grow to monstrous proportions – potentially large enough to capture mice and other rodents. The sugary substances it secretes on its lids, which it uses to capture prey, are known as exudates.