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Sarracenia purpurea venosa is definitely the easiest of
all the carnivorous plants to grow and is excellent for
beginners. It is found in Louisiana through Georgia and
Northern Florida to New Jersey, as well as into much of
Eastern and Central Canada. The pitchers grow to only 6
inch, 15 cm in height.
This plant produces attractive deep red flowers in
Spring, 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 finely
hairy. The pitchers tend to colour up an attractive shade
of purple in good sunlight. 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 moos/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 7-8, (-10°C/15°F, -15°C/5°F) in
Winter. 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 venosa 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 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. Otherwise,
place it in a refrigerator for 3-5 months in a ziplock
bag.
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