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You will find Sarracenia psittacina in Southern parts of
Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia, as well as the Northern
parts of Florida. The pitchers reach a length of 15cm.
This is an unusual plant that looks very different from
any of the other Sarracenia. The pitchers have what
almost looks like a beak above the small mouth of the
pitcher, hence the common name Parrot Pitcher Plant. The
pitchers lie about horizontal to the ground and by means
of downward pointing hairs guide prey to the digestion
zone. The plant uses windows to deceive the prey to the
trapping zone.
The flowers are deep red. The blooms first appear in mid
Spring and continue into early Fall. The scape curves at
the end so that the flower points down. Clip off old
leaves to make way for flower buds and new leaf growth.
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. This species grows in areas that are
often very boggy and can stand long periods of flooding.
In fact these plants may even be more accomplished at
catching aquatic prey than things such as ants and flies.
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 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.
Unusually, this plant does best if kept flooded over the
Winter months, as opposed to all the other Sarracenia
which should be kept damp. 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.
Otherwise, place it in a refrigerator for 3-5 months in a
ziplock bag.
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