Pitcher plants are very popular ornamental plants because of their eye-catching pitchers. However, the exotic beauties require ideal environmental conditions and the right care in order for them to thrive. If new pitchers do not form, location and care errors are usually responsible.
Why doesn't my pitcher plant make pitchers?
If a pitcher plant does not form pitchers, the reasons may be incorrect location, poor care, insufficient air humidity or calcareous irrigation water. To promote pitcher formation, place the plant in a bright window, increase the humidity and only use rain or distilled water.
Pitcher plants are not plants for beginners
If you want to get into the hobby of breeding carnivorous plants, you should first try simpler types of carnivores. The pitcher plant only thrives if care and location are right. Otherwise, new cans will not form or the cans will dry out prematurely.
The right location for the pitcher plant
As a tropical plant, pitcher plants need a lot of light. If there are no new cans, the plant may be too dark. Place it in a window where the pitcher plant is not exposed to too much direct sunlight. East windows or north windows are favorable if it is warm and humid enough there.
How to properly care for Nepenthes
You can make many mistakes when caring for pitcher plants. If the plants do not form new pitchers, it is almost always due to poor care. Sometimes, however, you just need a little patience until Nepenthes produces new pots.
- Keep substrate moist but not wet
- Avoid waterlogging
- Increase humidity
- do not fertilize
- use low-lime water
High humidity is the prerequisite for the formation of new pitchers. It should be at least 60 percent. It is difficult to maintain such humidity in a normal living room. It's easier if you keep the pitcher plant in a terrarium (€12.00 on Amazon).
It often helps if you increase the humidity by spraying. Some experts advise spraying Nepenthes that do not form new pitchers with rainwater several times a day. Placing bowls of water on the radiator or next to the plants also increases the humidity.
Never water with tap water
Never water pitcher plants with hard tap water. Rainwater is best for the plant. If necessary, you can also water with distilled water.
Tip
Nepenthes species are often offered inexpensively in hardware stores. These pitcher plants usually have a short lifespan and stop producing new pitchers after a short time. The carnivorous plants should therefore be bought from specialist retailers or grown yourself.
