Sarracenia spp.
American Pitcher Plants
Description
Sarracenia are the most robust and easy-to-grow carnivorous plants. Their erect tubular leaves, which can exceed one meter in height, act as passive traps: nectar attracts insects to the edge, the operculum disorients them and downward-pointing bristles prevent escape. They are temperate plants that withstand frost and need full sun. The variety of colors, shapes and sizes among the 11 species makes them perfect for collecting.
Specific care
They are the easiest to grow. They need full sun and the tray method with distilled water. They tolerate light frost but need protection against hard frost. Dormancy is mandatory: in winter the leaves die and in spring they vigorously resprout. Remove dead leaves in autumn. They are perfect for terraces or gardens.
Some Sarracenia produce such elaborate flowers that pollinating insects must enter the flower and exit through a different opening. The plant ensures pollination before insects fall into the traps.
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