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4.5 out of 5 (6 experiences)


Also known as
Purple pitcher plant, Northern pitcher plant, Turtle socks and Side-saddle flower
Taxonomy
Sarracenia purpurea
Sarracenia
Sarraceniaceae
Ericales

How to care for Purple Pitcher Plant

How often to water your Purple Pitcher Plant

every 7
Purple Pitcher Plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
7

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Purple Pitcher Plant in your home

a window
Purple Pitcher Plant love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Purple Pitcher Plant does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Purple Pitcher Plant in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Purple Pitcher Plant

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Purple Pitcher Plant after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Purple Pitcher Plant can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!
Water Needs
Purple Pitcher Plant is sensitive to dry soil and should be watered frequently. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Purple Pitcher Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
Purple Pitcher Plant is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Fertilizer
Purple Pitcher Plant grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Purple Pitcher Plant will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Purple Pitcher Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-7b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Purple Pitcher Plant
Purple Pitcher Plant
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 7 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say










Pitcher plants in general are fun to take care of, and they come with some unique looks! They love boggy soil so it acts as a plant I can use for my overwatering needs. When you learn of their growth cycle and how to prep for it, pitcher plants are easy to keep alive. Even if it looks like the plant is totally dead, by spring they have rapid new growth!


