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Sarracenia flava x Sarracenia purpurea venosa is a
spectacular hybrid, the best you can have among
Sarracenias. The Sarracenia flava had a red tube and
green lid and Saracenia purpurea venosa is red to purple.
The hybrids can be highly variable, but they should be
upright, very red, looking like Sarracenia flava but with
the caracteristic lid of Sarracenia purpurea venosa. The
upper part of the pitcher should also be swollen like
Sarracenia purpurea venosa.
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 zones 7-8, (-10°C/15°F, -15°C/5°F) in
Winter. They require 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 be at least 2°C/35°F or lower. 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.
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%. 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.
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.
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