Trumpet Pitcher plants are unique in that they are one of the few plant species in the world that
hybridize themselves. Combine those varieties with artificially hybridized versions, and the
colors and types of Sarracenia are almost endless. If you live in cooler climates, this expands
the number of plants that will perform well for you outdoors. Since many hybrids are a cross with
the S. purpurea – and since the S. purpurea is the most weather resilient of the Sarracenia
genus – these hybrids are more likely to thrive as outdoor plants. This also makes them more
tolerant as indoor plants in conditions other than the perfect sunny southern windowsill.
The variations in color and size found in Trumpet Pitcher plants are almost too long to list. Do
some research before purchasing if you’re looking for a specific color, style, or maturity height.
Caring for hybrid Sarracenia is the same as for non-hybridized plants. If you’re hoping to plant
your hybrid Trumpet Pitchers outdoors, make sure to plant them in bog-like soil that receives full
sun and adequate water. Some gardeners use the phrase “wet feet, dry ankles” to remind
themselves that the roots of this carnivorous plant species are what matters. When planted in
the ground, the soil should be soggy at least 4 inches into the ground. If you don’t have a bog
garden, one option is to first plant your Trumpet Pitcher in a pot with the correct growing
medium, and then plant that part in your traditional garden, making sure a bit of the pot is
sticking up to avoid regular gardening soil from mixing in. Outdoor plants will otherwise be able
to meet their own needs for feeding and seasonal dormancy.
If your hybrid Trumpet Pitcher plant is an indoor plant, place it in a sunny windowsill. Consider
supplementing with a grow lamp if it is not consistently getting 12 hours of direct sunlight. Keep
the soil consistently moist. When in doubt, water: It’s hard to overwater a carnivorous plant!
Whether indoors or outdoors, avoid watering your plants with tap or garden hose water. Rain will
obviously take care of most of your outdoor plant’s watering needs, but if you go through a dry
spell, make sure to water with distilled water. Indoor plants can be watered using distilled water,
reverse osmosis water, or collected rainwater. Potted Sarracenia plants – regardless of location –
are often best watered by setting the pots in a shallow tray of water and allowing them to suck
the water up through the bottom.
Indoor hybrid Trumpet Pitcher plants need a period of dormancy in the winter months and
regular insect feedings. You can use freeze-dried bugs if you don’t have enough “naturally
occurring” fruit flies and spiders in your home.