Why are the pitchers on my pitcher plant turning brown?

Asked by: John Cobbs

When your Pitcher Plant has dry or brown pitchers, it is likely not getting enough water, in an area of low humidity, or a combination of both. Pitcher Plants require consistent moisture and high humidity in order to thrive.

Should I cut off dying pitchers?

As pitchers and leaves die back naturally, trim them off to keep the plant vigorous. Prune back the green vine stems to encourage side shoots to grow.

Should I cut off black pitchers?

Sometimes leaves in pitcher plants start withering and turning black. At that point, it is possible to trim your plant to promote growth and keep it healthy. Trim pitcher plants by cutting off completely dried up leaves or sections that have withered. Avoid removing any healthy part of your plant.

Why are the pitchers on my Pitcher Plant turning black?

When pitcher plant (Nepenthes) leaves are turning black, it is usually the result of shock or a sign that the plant is going into dormancy. Something as simple as a change in conditions the plant experiences when you bring it home from the nursery can cause shock.

How do you bring a Pitcher Plant back to life?

A slightly acidic pH is also beneficial. Try moving your plant into a sunny area; pitcher plants need full sun to do their best. However, if you place them in a window with bright, direct sunlight, they may burn, so choose your location carefully. Humidity should be high, around 60 percent when possible.

How long do pitchers last on a pitcher plant?

Ensure that the soil is always kept moist. Withered or completely brown pitchers: Depending on the type, individual pitchers may last anywhere from 1-8 months. Pitchers that are deteriorating due to age will usually brown in their top half first and they can remain in this half withered state for several months.

How often should you water a pitcher plant?

As a general rule, water Nepenthes every 3-4 days or when the soil is less humid. You must never let the soil dry out. Pitcher plants suffer greatly when the environment is dry as they are accustomed to humid habitats. I water my pitcher plants twice a week year-round.

How do I know if my pitcher plant is dying?

We wait to cut them off until they've fully died back because they could still be photosynthesizing. Or digesting until.

Will pitcher plants regrow pitchers?

Make sure to repot your Nepenthes if it’s outgrown its pot, to let it grow properly. Also, in a continuous cycle of growth, old pitchers on the bottom of the plant will start turning brown and drying off. Old pitchers will then die, and new ones will grow instead.

Should you add water to Nepenthes pitchers?

I recommend that you only use purified water. If you grow your Nepenthes correctly, its pitchers should start producing their own fluids within a month or so. If they don’t, your humidity may be too low. Increase it.

How much sun does a pitcher plant need?

Pitcher plants need at least 10 hours of light every day. When Pitcher plants do not receive enough light, they weaken and can eventually die. When growing Pitcher plants indoors, you can opt for natural light, artificial light, or a combination of both. Sunny window sills are optimal locations for Pitcher plants.

What kind of light do pitcher plants need?

The plants need boggy, moist soil and will perform well at the margins of a pond or bog garden. Pitcher plants thrive in full sun to light shade.

When should you repot a pitcher plant?

spring

Pitcher plants, like other plants, do best when you repot them early in the spring before they have a chance to produce new growth. When your plant is still dormant, right before the spring arrives, remove it from its pot and gently remove as much planting medium as you can using a chopstick or other small object.

How long do pitcher plants live?

The plants grow new pitchers throughout the summer, and one plant can have as many as 10 pitchers. The pitchers only last a year or two, but the plant itself can live for 50 years.

Should I Feed My pitcher plant?

Indoor Pitcher plants need to be fed at least once a month to supplement their diet. You can employ mealworms, bloodworms, crickets, flies, fish flakes, or other small insects.

Can you overfeed a pitcher plant?

Use only small bugs that fit easily into the pitchers. Don’t overfeed, and don’t be tempted to give your plants chunks of meat. Remember that carnivorous plants have very low nutrient requirements and too much food or fertilizer can be deadly.

Should I fill my pitcher plant with water?

Your Pitcher Plant likes to stay consistently moist. Do not allow it to dry out, but do not let it sit in water. Water thoroughly when 25% of the medium is dry. Pitchers will naturally produce a small amount of enzymatic digestive fluid only once while it’s growing.

Can pitcher plants survive without bugs?

They will survive perfectly well without you giving them bugs. They may grow a little slower, but they will live. It is also likely that you don’t have to feed your plants because they are getting plenty of bugs already.

How often does a pitcher plant need to eat?

You can feed pitcher plants employing 1-2 bugs for each pitcher every 2 to 4 weeks. A couple of insects are more than enough to provide the extra boost in nutrients. Nepenthes, as well as Sarracenia, capture large amounts of insects when they grow outdoors. Some pitchers can sometimes get close to being full.

Do pitcher plants go dormant?

All North American pitcher plants require a cold winter dormancy between November and February. Temperatures in their natural habitats regularly dip below freezing over winter (0°C / 32°F), and so you must provide a cold season for plants in cultivation.

Do green pitcher plants go dormant?

Pitcher plants will go dormant in the fall and remain dormant until the temperatures and light levels increase in the spring. The pitchers and non-carnivorous leaves will stay on the rosette but may turn brown during the winter. It is best to leave the old foliage on the plant until March or April.

How do you take care of a pitcher plant in the winter?

Caring for Pitcher Plants in the Winter



In extreme cold, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants to protect the roots. If you have varieties growing in water, break the ice and keep the water trays full. Caring for pitcher plants in winter in colder zones will require you to bring them indoors.

Can I put my pitcher plant outside?

Growing pitcher plants outdoors is all about picking the right site and providing the proper soil. These plants do not require a rich, organic soil, instead preferring a slightly acidic nitrogen-deprived medium that has excellent drainage. Pitcher plants perform well in environments from full sunlight to light shade.

How cold can a pitcher plant get?

Temperature: These are warm-temperate plants meaning that they need warm summers and chilly winters. They should be grown outdoors year-round in areas with mild winters. They can thrive in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees – 80 degrees and can even take freezes and temperatures up to 100 degrees for brief periods.