Caring for pitcher plants is not quite as easy as, for example, butterwort. This also applies to propagation, which is only possible with Nepenthes if the gardener already has some experience. The best way to propagate the pitcher plant is through cuttings.
What is the best way to propagate pitcher plants?
In order to successfully propagate a pitcher plant, it is recommended to use 10-15 cm long cuttings in summer, during the growth phase. A bright, not too sunny location, moist substrate and covering with a plastic bag promote root formation.
Propagate pitcher plants via cuttings
The easiest and most successful method of propagating a pitcher plant is to grow offshoots from cuttings. Luckily, the carnivorous plant is very keen on cutting. Even if it is beheaded, it quickly forms new shoots.
Cut cuttings
It is best to cut the cuttings in summer when the pitcher plant is in the growth phase. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut off shoots 10 to 15 centimeters long.
Immediately after cutting, place the shoots in prepared plant pots that are filled with nutrient-poor substrate.
In a favorable location, the first roots will form on the cutting within a few weeks.
Caring for Nepenthes cuttings
- Place bright but not too sunny
- Keep substrate moist
- Cover pot with plastic bag
- repot after rooting
Place the pot with the pitcher plant cutting as brightly as possible but not too sunny and keep the substrate moist.
To keep the soil moisture constant, place a freezer bag or other clear plastic bag over the cutting. Ventilate the plant regularly to prevent it from becoming moldy.
Once the cutting has formed new roots, transplant it into a suitable pot. You have to be careful not to break the young roots. Use special carnivore soil as a substrate (€4.00 on Amazon) or mix peat with sand and a little clay.
Propagation via seeds requires a lot of patience
In principle, it is of course possible to propagate the pitcher plant from seeds. The biggest problem is getting fresh seeds. Pitcher plants kept indoors rarely produce seeds.
The breeder also needs a lot of patience. It can take a very long time for the seed to germinate.
Only experienced gardeners should attempt to propagate Nepenthes from seeds.
Tip
Some pitcher plant experts swear that Nepenthes cuttings root better if they are initially allowed to stand in a vase with low-lime water for some time. Only then are the cuttings inserted into the substrate.
