Sarracenia purpurea 'Dracula'
fly killing pitcher plant
- Position: bright filtered or direct sunlight
- Soil: a specialist carnivorous compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
- Current height: approximately 20cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose a 10cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
This carnivorous plant produces pitchers that secrete nectar which will attract insects. That's bad news for the insects as they can't get away, but good news for the plant, which then goes on to devour them - topping up their nutrient levels in the meantime! These are curious and exotic-looking plants that can be grown outside in milder regions. - Home care: This carnivorous plant should be watered from below during the growing season. The easiest way to do this is to stand the pot in a saucer that is filled with 1cm of soft water. Ideally the pot and water-filled saucer should be kept on a tray of gravel as this will help keep the humidity high. When the plant is dormant, water only when the compost gets dry, making sure the excess can drain away freely. Pot on in spring using a specialist compost.