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Sarracenia, also known as Trumpet Pitcher plants, are beginner-friendly carnivorous plants.
Native to North America, they grow all up the East Coast and into the Midwest of the United
States and Southern parts of Canada. There are eight recognized species and many, many
subspecies and hybridizations. Since seven of the eight species are native to warmer climates,
only one, the Sarracenia purpurea, can be grown outdoors in the UK. All seven other species
will thrive indoors, however, given the right conditions.
Regardless of which species you choose to grow, you will need to provide your trumpet pitcher
plant with plenty of sunlight and water. Sarracenia require full direct sunlight, and unlike other
carnivorous plant varieties, are not very tolerant of part-sun conditions. This means you will
need a southern-facing window if growing indoors using only natural sunlight. On the other
hand, if you have an outdoor greenhouse, your trumpet pitcher plants will do well just about
anywhere inside. But if neither of those options is available to you, a full spectrum grow light will
do the trick. Consider a lamp with various “arms” so that all parts of the plant can receive light.
You can also set your light to a timer to turn on when the plant stops receiving sunlight, such as
in an eastern-facing window.
Trumpet pitcher plants require the typical low-nutrient, high water content soil of carnivorous
plants. The most common planting material is a 2:1 mix of sphagnum peat moss and
horticultural sand. You can use perlite in place of the sand or choose to purchase pre-mixed soil
intended for carnivorous plants. Just make sure you avoid traditional potting mixes, as these
can kill the plant.
You will want to keep the soil of your Trumpet Pitcher plant constantly moist. Unlike many other
houseplants, carnivorous plants will do better overwatered than underwatered. For this reason,
many gardeners choose to keep their Trumpet Pitchers in a shallow tray filled with water,
allowing the plant to take in water from the bottom constantly. Whether you water from the top or
bottom of your Sarracenia, you’ll need to provide the correct type of water. Traditional bottled
water and tap water will damage your carnivorous plants. Your best option is to purchase
deionized/distilled water from the grocery store. If you have access to a reverse osmosis system
or the ability to collect rainwater, these are also good watering options.
Trumpet Pitcher plants kept in greenhouses or outdoors will catch all the prey they need to
thrive. If your plant is in your home, however, consider feeding freeze-dried insects every few
weeks.
Most Sarracenia will need a winter dormancy period. Therefore, indoor plants will need to be in
a cooler environment for the winter months. For example, consider a garage or shed or next to a
drafty window. Outdoor plants will naturally get the colder temperatures needed but should be
protected from the elements, mainly if you regularly see temperatures below -7 degrees Celsius.