Leucophylla Sarracenia
Of all carnivorous plants, Sarracenia leucophylla the is the one with a more extravagant. The “pitchers” of this plant can reach up to 1.2 meters. The flowers, about 10 inches wide, purplish red, reminiscent in shape to the spokes of a parasol.
The Sarracenia leaf develop two types: the carnivorous, or “jugs” and the non-carnivorous. If growing conditions are right, carnivorous leaves grow throughout the summer and then are replaced by non-carnivorous, perennial-like straps.
The pitchers are impressive: the bottom is deep green color that gradually fades to almost white as the neck is acquiring the form of glass. The parts pale, curled edges, show deep purple veins intersecting. Insects stop on the top of the sheet is drawn inward by the colorful veins and the smell of nectar. Escape is impossible: the walls of the jar, vertical and slippery, and the internal hairs, pointing downwards, forming a barrier that prevents the removal. The insect eventually falls in the nectar, where digestive enzymes make it food for the plant, it is believed that the nectar is intoxicating, and that death occurs without pain.
The Sarracenia are generally good indoor plants, but in winter, do not like temperatures above 15 º C. The best winter temperatures are around at 5 ° C, this species is less cold tolerant than its close relative of Sarracenia purpurea. Procúrele a latency period: a winter temperature above 15 ° C probably result in next year’s growth is very vigorous. During the rest of the year, this plant will grow well at temperatures around 10 º C.
Place the Sarracenia leucophylla in a place with good light, but indirect periodically turn the pot the plant to ensure a uniform distribution of light. Low light levels prevent the production of carnivorous leaves: procúrele eight hours of light daily. Protect from the sun at the top of the “jugs”, as the drops of nectar may enhance the action of sunlight.
Keep the soil moist during the active growing period, immerse the pot in a container of water 2.5 inches of limestone. During the winter rest period, water it just enough to keep the soil moist, perhaps once or twice a month. Do not water it from above Never fill the “jugs” with water.
The high humidity level that you require this Sarracenia is provided by the irrigation regime.
Carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-poor soils and try the food they need catching insects; not have to pay.
Sarracenia leucophylla the transplant every 2 or 3 years, in spring, or when it is very tight in the pot, that is, when the roots poke through the drainage holes of the pot. Use a mixture of equal parts peat moss and coarse sand washed, do not use a general-purpose substrate.
This plant, high growth, you need the stability offered by a large container, the mixture of peat moss and coarse sand is also quite heavy to ensure that the plant is poorly balanced.