Sarracenia leucophylla

The Pitcher plant is a fascinating carnivorous houseplant. It is a beautiful specimen with gorgeous red veins, a treat for the eyes. However, this plant has a darker side to it. Being a carnivorous plant, the tall stems produce a sweet nectar to attract the unsuspecting insects. The plant then digests these topping up their nutrients. These plants will need some specific care, so attention is needed but is well worth it. Keep it in a bright room where it can get 6 hours of full sun each day. It will be happy in a frost-free environment so keep in a conservatory, porch or a sunny room. Keep between temperatures of 15C (60F) to 32C (90F). Plant the Sarracenia in a pot with a tray so it can be watered through this. It will need to be kept in moist soil (not soggy though!) Use rainwater or distilled as the plant can be sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water. As they are carnivorous, they will not need feeding as they do all this themselves. In the autumn, the stems will begin to die so these can be trimmed away as they go. Keep the compost moist throughout the winter still and then bring back the watering routine as the stems begin to grow again. In the colder months keep the plant in a room of around 5C (32F). Height Up To 60cm (24in) Spread Up To 60cm (24in)