Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Sarracenia or Trumpet pitchers

The genus Sarracenia, family Sarraceniaceae, comprises 8 species of carnivorous plants native to North America. The species are: Sarracenia purpurea, Sarracenia rubra, Sarracenia alata, Sarracenia flava, Sarracenia leucophylla, Sarracenia minor, Sarracenia oreophila, Sarracenia psittacina.

Common name: Trumpet pitchers.

They are carnivorous plants that reach between 30 cm (11.8") and 1 meter (39.37") in height, depending on the species; the species sold in Garden Centers (Sarracenias hybrids) reach 40 cm (15.74") in height.

These relatively easy growing plants are used as indoor or greenhouse plants. They can be grown in the garden soil next to ponds and waterways.

Sarracenia needs a very bright exposure. They are plants that hibernate and should not receive direct sun at the end of hibernation, but rather the amount of sun must be progressively increased. In optimal light conditions they produce red nerves that increase their attractiveness.

The soil can be a mixture of 3/4 of peat moss and 1/4 of vermiculite. It's important that the pots are deep and with a minimum diameter of 20 cm (7.87"). Transplant every 3 years if the plant grows a lot.

Always water with lime-free water and never let the substrate dry out. It is very important during hibernation, which lasts about 3 months, to water very little and to keep the plants at 5 ºC (41 ºF); young plants (less than 3 years old) do not need to hibernate. Sarracenia needs high humidity but it's not advisable to spray the leaves, it's better to place a plate with damp stones under the pot.

They do not need pruning or fertilizers.

They can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs in summer and by Botrytis (fungi) in winter if there is excess watering without respecting hibernation.

They are propagated from seeds, by division of the rhizome (before hibernation) or by separating lateral shoots.

Images of the indoor plant Sarracenia or Trumpet pitchers