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Feature

Carnivorous plants
Leaves form into pitchers
Eat insects
Need rain water
Striking and interesting plants

Description

Purple Pitcher Plant Seeds: Life Cycle: Perennial Height: Up to 15" Light: Sun/Partial Shade Zone: 6 - 9 The flowers appear in Spring; they are purple or greenish purple and are up to 2 ". Clip off old leaves to make way for flower buds and new leaf growth. 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. 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. 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. 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 2C/35F 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.