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Sarracenia leucophylla occurs in South West Georgia,
Northwest Florida, Southern Alabama to Eastern
Mississippi. They are among the tallest of the Sarracenia
family, easily reaching heights of 3 feet in nature.
Leucophylla will put up pitchers with their blooms each
Spring, but the Fall is when these plants really start to
show off. As most of the other Sarracenia will be slowing
down for the season, Leucophylla will rapidly start
pushing up it's largest pitchers yet. Pitchers produced
in the Spring are narrower and not as white as pitchers
produced in the Fall. The white coloration in the upper
portion of this pitcher stands out between the red veins.
Under extremely warm conditions, this species may produce
phyllodia, pitcherless leaves in the middle of the Summer.
The flowers are deep red. 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 zones 6-9, (-5°C/25°F, -20°C/-5°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. In cloudy coastal areas, artificial
light is a must. 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 remain at 2-5°C / 35-40°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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