Sarracenia Care
Sarracenia
North American Pitcher Plant
Comprehensive care information for the Trumpet Pitcher Plant
The Sarracenia, also known as the trumpet pitcher plant or North American pitcher plant, is one of the most impressive carnivorous plants for outdoors. Thanks to its origin in the cold winters of North America, it is excellently adapted to our climate and belongs outdoors or in an unheated greenhouse, not in the heated living room.
Origin
Sarracenia is found in North America, spread across states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. In all these areas, it also freezes in winter. This makes Sarracenia ideally suited for our climate; it is a plant that needs cold for a healthy winter dormancy.
Water
Never use tap water. Always opt for pure rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis (RO) water. Keep the soil quite wet; you can easily let the plant sit with its feet in a layer of water.
For plants in a conservatory or greenhouse during winter, ensure the pots remain moist but not wet. The trays can dry out for a while, and only then should you add a little more water. Combine this with good ventilation to prevent fungal diseases like Botrytis. In spring, gradually increase the water supply again.
Light
Sarracenia loves plenty of sun and prefers to be in full sun. Choose a location where the plant receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun results in more intense colors and sturdier pitchers.
Temperature & winter dormancy
Sarracenia needs a winter dormancy period and is not a plant to be kept warm all year round. The plant is winter hardy and tolerates frost down to approximately −8°C, and in most cases even more.
Plants in a conservatory are protected from the wind and usually thaw during the day, allowing them to continue absorbing water. A large pot or bog garden also offers extra protection: the roots freeze less quickly. Read more in our guide to creating a bog garden.
Winter hardiness per species
There are also differences in winter hardiness between the species:
| Species | Pot hardiness | Note |
|---|---|---|
| S. purpurea ssp. purpurea | Fully hardy | Even in small pots |
| S. flava & hybrids | Very hardy | Reliable in our climate |
| S. leucophylla | Good hardiness | Grows well in larger pots |
| S. minor | Sensitive to severe frost | Protect during prolonged cold |
| S. purpurea ssp. venosa var. burkii | Sensitive to severe frost | Protect during prolonged cold |
Soil & repotting
Repot the plant after winter dormancy, just before spring. Do this every 1 to 3 years. Always use a peat mix:
Also check out our carnivorous plant supplies. We also have an extensive blog post on repotting, dividing, cleaning, and propagating Sarracenia during winter dormancy.
How does the trap work?
Insects are attracted by the bright colors and sweet nectar produced by the plant. The top of the pitcher is smooth, making it easy for insects that land on it to slip inside. Fine, downward-pointing hairs inside the pitcher make escape virtually impossible.
Sarracenia primarily catches flies, wasps, and other flying insects. When the pitchers start to die off, they are usually almost completely full. All brown parts can simply be trimmed off.
Sarracenia in cultivation in a cold, unheated greenhouse in Belgium
Browse our Sarracenia collection
From compact purpurea to impressive flava hybrids: for every garden or bog garden.
All Sarracenia species Hardy potted plantsDo you have a specific question about caring for your Sarracenia, or are you unsure about a purchase? We are happy to help you.
