TRUMPET PITCHER: Sarracenia Alata (The Pale Pitcher Plant)

• Species:  Sarracenia
• Sarracenia Alata, is found in moist bogs from Alabama west to Texas in the United States of America
• This plant gets its common name, the pale pitcher, from the array of pale yellow flowers that blooms in mature plants from mid to late spring
• In summer, Sarracenia Alata will appreciate the hot weather! As the heat settles down in later in the season, this plant will produce its largest and most attractive pitchers of the season
• American trumpet pitcher plants are easy to grow if their basic needs (sun and water) are met - Generally, plants in the sarracenia family prefer a sunny position outdoors for strong growth and are excellent candidates for beginner carnivorous plant enthusiasts

• Whether you prefer starting off with a younger plant and watch it grow into full majestic glory over the years or jumping in with more munch, right from the get go, we've got you covered!  Cultivo is all about choices and our plants are available in various options to suit your every need.  These are 3 year old (Pitchers 5-10cm) to Flowering size plants, sold either bareroot or already potted in our deluxe carnivorous plant soil, ready for action during the upcoming growing season 
• Winter dormancy:
• During the autumn and winter months, trumpet pitcher plants are sold as dormant rhizomes with cut pitchers
• New summer pitchers (in sizes indicated) are expected during springtime
• Should you be unfamiliar with this plant species, head over to our FAQ section for more information on what to expect when ordering from us during the colder months >> Temperate plants and winter dormancy:  What to expect   

• Generally, plants in the trumpet pitcher plant family will thrive outdoors.  Grow your plant in a sunny spot, year round, for strong growth and ultimate colouration.  Protect your plant during hail and heavy rainstorms as strong winds may knock plants over and damage pitchers
• In Gauteng, we recommend growing trumpet pitchers in full sun (or at the very least) 6 hours morning sun.  Note that during summertime soil may become very hot and plants may overheat during heatwaves.  During these spells, protect your plant from the harsh afternoon sun

WATER:

• Trumpet pitcher plants are native to wetland areas, for this reason soil are to be kept moist all the time. Top-watering is fine too, but avoid filling the pitchers with water as the weight may cause pitchers to break from the main stem
• Low-mineral water is highly recommended and we use distilled- or reverse osmosis water, when rainwater is scarce
• Fluctuate the water level to air the roots by letting the tray dry in between waterings, but never let the plant itself dry out completely

FEEDING:

• Carnivorous plants are self-sufficient hunters and have adapted to catch and digest their own food.  Trumpet pitchers are plants, therefor their growing energy is derived from the sun via photosynthesis (Your plant will not die due to starvation)
• During the growing season they will lure, catch and digest their own insects which acts as a type of fertiliser. Never feed your pitcher plant hamburger meat, viennas, biltong, braaivleis, milk or vegetables (Let me know if I left something out 😂 )

SOIL:

• Do not fertilise your plant and only use sphagnum-peat based plant soil, which is low in minerals. Compost, coco peat, palm peat and regular garden variety potting soil contain salts and minerals that will kill your plant
• We recommend repotting trumpet pitchers yearly, into fresh carnivorous plant soil, at the end of winter dormancy

WINTER DORMANCY:

• Trumpet pitcher plants are sun-loving temperate plants which means they grow actively during summertime, and die back significantly during the winter months when the daylight period is shorter
• If you are new to carnivorous plants, see our FAQ section on what to expect from your plant during dormancy
• Please note that in order to display individual characteristics, images mostly represent mature plants in full summer growth cultivated in optimal conditions
• During winter dormancy pitchers usually die off partially (halfway) or in some cases entirely.  Plants will appear smaller and present with dry (dying) pitchers during and a couple of weeks after the dormancy period in the colder months of the year (Usually May to October)
• New growth will sprout during springtime, once your plant has settled into its new environment 

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE:

• This is a lot to digest, but following this guide we trust that your plant will thrive in your care.  Below is a quick reference guide on growing a happy and healthy trumpet pitcher plant