| |
Sarracenia purpurea is an evergreen widespread in Eastern
USA and Canada, extending from New Jersey to the
Northwest Territory of Canada. The pitchers grow to only
6 inches, 15 cm in height.
The flowers appear in Spring; they are purple or greenish
purple and are up to 2.5 inches, 6.5 cm across. The
pitchers are produced each year from stems arising from
the rhizomes and remain evergreen. Clip off old leaves to
make way for flower buds and new leaf growth. The
pitchers are slender at the basal rosette, rapidly
becoming swollen higher up. Their outer surface is
slippery smooth. They are usually yellow-green to dark
purple and most commonly a middle variation with strong
red venation. In full sunlight the pitchers are dark red
coloured. The hood on the pitcher is positioned
vertically; the pitcher usually being full or partly full
of rainwater.
Insects are attracted to the colorful leaf rosettes that
resemble flowers; the red lip of the pitcher is
particularly attractive. Red veins that lead downward are
baited with nectar. The animal falls into the pitcher,
which contains rain, dew, and a digestive enzyme that
soon dissolves the victim. 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. It
is necessary for rain to be present inside the pitcher to
speed up the process of digestion. With this in mind,
plants grown indoors should have a little rainwater
poured into the pitchers as they open.
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.
Hardiness zones 4-8, (-10°C/15°F, -32°C/-25°F) in
Winter. They are considered the hardiest of the Pitcher
plants. 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 purpurea 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 plant may be moved to an area
where the temperature will be at 2°C/35°F or
less. 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. Otherwise, place it
in your refrigerator for 3-5 months in a ziplock bag.
|
|