North American pitcher plant care guide
Sarracenia
Also known as: Trumpet pitcher
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water North American pitcher plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every day
- Grow it standing in a tray of water and keep the tray filled: check about daily, and in summer change the water every two to three days so it stays fresh.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 2 days
- Keep the tray going; it drops more slowly, so top up about every two to three days.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 3 days
- Even dormant it must stay moist: keep a shallow tray and check it about every three to four days.
Light and placement for North American pitcher plant
As a guide, full sun outdoors from spring to fall; short of light the pitchers generally grow thin, floppy and pale, and in midsummer shade just the pot so the tray water does not heat up.
Overwintering North American pitcher plant
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Hardy, and as a guide it winters dormant outdoors; the pitchers brown off but the rhizome lives and generally sends up new growth in spring, so keep the tray shallow and do not bring it into a warm room.
Fertilizing and repotting North American pitcher plant
Fertilizer
As a guide, no fertilizer: nutrients in fertilizer or ordinary potting soil generally damage the roots, so grow it in plain sphagnum or peat.
When to repot
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Common problems with North American pitcher plant
- In shade the pitchers grow thin and weak and flop over.
- One dry spell with an empty tray can kill it.
- Wintered indoors without dormancy, it weakens the next year.
Tips for growing North American pitcher plant
- Cut the old dead pitchers at the base in spring to make room for new ones.
- A crowded clump can be divided during dormancy.
- Rainwater is ideal for the tray, though Japanese tap water generally works.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
