Pitcher plants are about as unusual as they come. This carnivorous plant has tall thin ‘pitchers’ - a jug with a long neck - that lure small flies and insects to their deaths with sweet, sticky nectar and bright colours. Once a fly ventures down the pitcher, they become trapped inside by the tubular leaf shape and hairy surface. And so the slow death by digestion begins - a real talking point, unless you’re the fly.
They might have a bit of a reputation, but pitcher plants are actually very easy to look after. Their only requests are a spot that gets plenty of bright sunshine and to be watered regularly with rainwater or distilled water. They’re not being extravagant, the minerals and salts in tap water are harmful to carnivorous plants. If you don’t have rainwater to hand, fill your watering can with water and leave it overnight to naturally distil. They don’t mind getting their feet wet and will happily drink up any water drains through the soil into a decorative pot or saucer.
A pitcher plant will keep itself well-fed, so you don’t need to worry about giving it an extra dose of liquid fertiliser, or bugs. In winter, they become dormant, so you can ease off on the watering. This distinctive plant will add a touch of carnivorous elegance to your home, perfect if you want to make a statement.
Did you know?
The ‘pitchers’ of this plant change colour as they age, turning from green and white to a dark plum as they get older.
Bright light
Regular watering
Humidity
