Carnivorous Sarracenia Trumpet Pitcher Maroon 12cm pot
£20.00
Out of stock
Carnivorous plants definitely fall into the category of weird, wonderful and downright fascinating. Mesmerising houseplant owners of all ages with their striking appearances and fascinating adaptations to capture and feed on insects and small creatures. It is no wonder they have held their popularity for decades.
Sarracenia, commonly known as a Trumpet Pitcher plant is a natural fungus gnat killer! If you have an issue with this pest this plant is for you. Perfect, natural alternative to yellow sticky traps.
The best place to start with carnivorous plants is by understanding their natural habitat and how their environment has led them to form such unique adaptations. Carnivorous plants have been on the planet for a long time, around forty million years and have been found on almost every continent and tropical island with Antarctica being the only exception.
Carnivorous plants are typically found in areas that are high in natural light and moisture, as well as water-logged areas like swamps where the nutrients in the soil are virtually non-existent. Many of their strange adaptations have been formed from this lack of nutrients.
All plants need basic nutrients to survive and without them, they don’t stand much of a chance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most important nutrients plants need, nitrogen is the main component in chlorophyll which plants use for photosynthesis. The other is phosphorus, which is needed to make this process possible. Plants use phosphorus to take in, store and convert the sun’s rays. Without it, they would be unable to use the sun’s energy to create the biomolecules (proteins, amino acids, DNA) they need to grow and reproduce.
Carnivorous plants have adapted over millions of years to get these essential nutrients from their environment. Unable to get these nutrients from the soil they have formed traps to capture insects and small creatures that are rich in the nutrients they lack.
There are approximately 600 different species that fall into the Carnivorous plant category. These different species have found ways of attracting, trapping, killing, and absorbing their prey purely to extract the nutrients they need for survival.
Most carnivorous plants will use bright colours, distinctive smells, and sticky surfaces to attract insects but there are some key mechanisms that make up the variations of carnivorous plants and most species can be spread across these different hunting strategies
- Snap traps use rapid leaf movement to snap shut and capture their prey.
- Bladder traps suck in their prey with a small internal vacuum.
- Pitfall traps entice prey into a small rolled-up leaf with digestive enzymes.
- Flypaper traps utilize sticky mucus to trap their prey.
- Eel traps use inward-facing hairs to force their prey towards the digestive organ.
Click here to check our care instructions to find out how to look after your carnivorous plant.
Would you like to learn about carnivorous plants? Check our article here.
Pet Friendly
- How often should I water my Sarracenia Trumpet Pitcher plant?
- Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Use rainwater or distilled water if possible, as tap water may contain minerals that can harm the plant.
- Is the Sarracenia suitable for beginners?
- Yes, this plant is a great choice for beginners due to its easy care requirements and the robust nature of its trapping mechanism that doesn’t require frequent maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional feeding.
- Can I keep my Sarracenia in a terrarium?
- Yes, Sarracenia can thrive in a terrarium setting provided it has adequate light and moisture. Ensure the terrarium is not fully sealed as the plant benefits from some air circulation to stay healthy.
☀️ Light
☀️☀️☀️ (High)
The Sarracenia Trumpet Pitcher thrives in bright, direct sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal to mimic the natural, sun-drenched habitats these plants love. They can manage in medium light, but the more light, the better for their growth and health.
💧 Water
💧💧💧 (High)
Maintain moist soil without letting it become waterlogged. Use rainwater or distilled water ideally, as these plants are sensitive to minerals often found in tap water. During the growing season (spring to autumn), ensure the potting media is consistently damp.
🌡️ Temperature
🌡️🌡️▫️ (Average)
Sarracenia enjoys typical room temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. They can tolerate lower temperatures in the winter, which can help them enter a necessary dormancy period.
💦 Humidity
💦💦▫️ (Moderate)
While not as humidity-demanding as some tropical plants, maintaining a moderate humidity will help this pitcher plant thrive. Consider placing it in a kitchen or bathroom where the air tends to be moister, or use a humidity tray.
🪴 Repotting
Repot your Sarracenia every 2-3 years to refresh its soil, using a mix suitable for carnivorous plants (usually a blend of peat moss and perlite). Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid water-logged conditions.
🐾 Pet Friendliness
This plant is pet-friendly! No worries about curious cats or dogs around your Sarracenia.
✅🪴 Recommended Locations at Home
Consider placing your Sarracenia in bright spots such as near south-facing windows, sunrooms, or well-lit kitchens. They make striking decorative additions while being functional in controlling fungus gnats.
✨ Other Plant Features
Sarracenia is not just striking and unique in appearance; it’s also a practical choice for reducing pests like fungus gnats naturally. This makes it a delightful alternative to chemical pest controls.
Remember, if you have any more questions, our Mossbot is here to help, or you can contact us via our website. Don’t forget, we offer a free plant hospital service if your plant pals are feeling under the weather!

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