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Sarracenia alata is found in open bogs and seeps along
the Gulf of Mexico coast from Texas to Alabama. The
pitchers reach up to 75 cm in height.
Typical Sarracenia alata is green with red veins.
Although this carnivorous plant looks its best in
September, it produces delicate looking yellow to cream
colored flowers on tall stems in the early Spring,
usually before pitcher growth begins. Clip off old leaves
to make way for flower buds and new leaf growth.
They trap their prey by offering them nectar to sip which
is secreted around the lip of the plant and also at the
base of the lid. Flying and crawling insects will find
the nectar and if they take a wrong step, they will
tumble into the pitcher. Once inside, they will find that
retreat is impossible, due to short stiff hairs pointing
downward. The inside of the pitchers are also very
slippery, even to insects with the best traction. Once
the insect reaches the bottom, it is dissolved by enzymes
in the bottom of the pitcher and the nutrient value is
absorbed by the plant.
Hardiness zone 8, (-10°C/15°F) in Winter. They can grow
well in pure sphagnum moss, live, long fibered or
shredded, as well as the standard peat moss/sand which
can be anything from 30% to 100% peat moss. There's no
need to fertilize, as the plant relies on insects for
food. The humidity should be between 60-80%.
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out
between waterings. Water must be distilled or rain water
because they do not tolerate city or hard water. It is a
good idea to place a pie pan or large saucer, with about
an inch of water in it, under the pot. Elevate the pot by
placing pebbles under it so that the base of the pot is
barely in contact with the water, not submerged; the
growing medium must stay moist, but never soggy. This
will keep the humidity around the plant higher and it
will ensure that the plant has a constant source of
moisture.
They should be grown in bright light, but with protection
from full midday sun. The temperature must be
around 21°C/70°F, 27°C/80°F. In cloudy coastal
areas, artificial light is a must. Sarracenia Alata
requires seasons in order to survive long term.
They need a dormant period of about 3 months in the
Winter. The typical heated home is too warm in the Winter.
The entire planter may be moved to an area where the
temperature will remain between 2°C/35°Fand 5°C/40°F.
During the Winter months, restrict watering somewhat, but
never allow the plants to dry completely. If left outside
during Winter, protect them from dry freezing wind during
deep freezes by covering the plant with black plastic.
Uncover the plant when the deep freeze and dry freezing
wind is over.
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