Pitcher Plant Care
Growing pitcher plants is not a daunting task, provided you know the right methods. This article deals with some tips and guidelines regarding pitcher plant care.
You might have heard of carnivorous plants, that feed on insects. These plants have modified parts, that facilitate trapping and digesting insects. While, some plants have pitfall traps as in pitcher plants, some others, like, Venus fly trap plants have snap traps. There are carnivorous plants that suck in insects, whereas some species have sticky mucilage to catch prey. Some of the popular carnivorous plants include pitcher plants and Venus fly trap plants. These plants are also grown in gardens and as houseplants. As in the case of other carnivorous plants, pitcher plants too require special conditions for healthy growth. Read on to know more about pitcher plant care instructions.
Pitcher Plant Information Before starting with pitcher plant care, a basic understanding about these plants will be beneficial. It is a common fact that pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that traps insects
and other arthropods in pitchers, that are modified midribs of the leaves. These pitchers contain a fluid, in which the insects drown and die. Pitcher plants absorbs the nutrients from the insect, which is dissolved in the liquid inside the pitcher. The disintegration of the trapped insects is either done by the bacteria inside the pitcher or by the digestive enzymes in the liquid. In some cases, insect larvae are found in the liquid inside the pitcher and these larvae feed on the trapped insects. The plant absorbs nutrients from the excreta of the larvae. The carnivorous nature of pitcher plants can be considered as an adaptation, that compensates for the soil, in which these plants grow. Usually, pitcher plants are found to grow in soil, that is poor in nutrients, especially, nitrogen. You have to provide suitable growing conditions, for these plants to thrive in a place, other than its original habitat. Read more about pitcher plant information.
Pitcher Plant Care
Most of the pitcher plant species belong to the families Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniacea. While, pitcher plants of the family Nepenthaceae are mostly climbers with pitchers formed at the end of the leaves’ midribs, in case of plants in Sarraceniacea family, pitchers are formed of the entire leaves. The plants in the latter family are not climbers, but grow on ground. The most popular pitcher plants, that are grown in gardens are red pitcher plant (Nepenthes ventricosa), pale pitcher plant (Sarracenia alata), yellow trumpet pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava), purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea), Sarracenia Dana’s delight, Nepenthes raja, Nepenthes alata, etc.
Where to Grow Pitcher Plants?
Though, pitcher plants can be grown outdoors as well as indoors, it is best for outdoors. The ideal locations for planting this plant are boggy areas. If you don’t have such a location in your garden, then plant them in pots (plastic or glazed ceramic) that do not drain. The potting mixture has to be 50% peat moss and 50% pearlite or sand. It is advisable to keep the soil wet, but, use distilled water or rain water for this purpose. This is because, tap water may contain chemicals, that can harm the plant. Apart from being wet, the soil must be acidic in nature. The location must provide bright light and high humidity, which are necessary for the growth of the plant. Direct sunlight is also good for some species. Read more on how to make distilled water.
Humidity and Temperature Levels
Even though, pitcher plants can tolerate low levels of humidity, during summers (growing season), high humidity levels (60% and above) are required. It has been observed that in low humidity levels, pitchers are not formed in these plants. The temperature requirements of pitcher plants may vary with species. Most of these plants can grow well in a temperature range of 55-95° F. However, hybrid pitcher plants are considered to be more easier to grow. Apart from that, colorful pitchers are available in hybrids like N. x Dyeriana, N. x Chelsonii, N. x’Williamsii, N. x Ventrata, N. x Superba, etc.
Feeding and Dormancy While fertilizers
are not usually needed by pitcher plants, that have access to insects, others may require feeding in very small amounts, so as to maintain the acidity levels of the soil. This is done by using a foliar spray once during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer (one teaspoon for one gallon of water) and spray on the foliage and not inside the pitchers. You should not put meat inside the pitchers, but, can use small insects, like, flies and crickets. Pitcher plants have a period of dormancy during winters. In case of pitcher plants in the outdoor boggy areas, you can use three inches of pine needle mulch during late fall. You may also dig out the plant, remove the soil and dead leaves and keep it in a sealed bag with some moss. Refrigerate this bag for around three months, before replanting it.
Now, you have a basic idea about some pitcher plant facts and pitcher plant care. The above mentioned are some generalized tips and guidelines about tropical pitcher plant care, which may vary with species. So, you must collect enough information about that specific pitcher plant, before venturing into the task of growing it.
