Nepenthes Pitcher Plant Care Guide

Much like the Sarracenia Pitcher Plant, the Nepenthes grow trumpet-like tubes called pitchers that aid in catching small insects. Nepenthes use their nectar to attract the insects into the pitchers, and are later digested. 

Nepenthes prefer soil that is loose and low in nutrients. For this reason, we recommend Canadian peat moss. 

 You want your water to be low in nutrients. Tap water is not healthy for Nepenthes Pitcher Plants as there are many minerals that are unhealthy for the plants within that water. Distilled water, reverse-osmosis, or simply rainwater presents themselves as the best water for these specimens. The soil should be kept evenly moist, never soggy. Never let the soil dry out! The easiest way to ensure you are watering appropriately is with the tray watering method. To do this, set your pot of Nepenthes Pitcher Plants (with drainage holes) in a saucer filled with water slightly under the top of the pot. The plant will absorb water as needed, continue to refill saucer.   

 Most Nepenthes enjoy very bright, well distributed light or partly sunny conditions.  Many can be grown easily on a sunny windowsill.  Nepenthes require at least three hours of direct light if grown indoors on a windowsill.  If you notice your plant has stopped making pitchers, it is often a sign that the plant needs a bit more light.