Pitcher Plant

Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes alata) is the easy way into carnivorous plants. This rainforest epiphyte from the Philippines grows an arching rosette of glossy apple-green leaves, each one ending in a pitcher-shaped trap filled with digestive enzymes. It stays small, about 10cm to 20cm tall, and grows happily in a pot indoors or outdoors in tropical gardens. Treat it like an orchid and it should settle in.

Why you'll love it

• A beginner's pitcher plant. It is the place to start with carnivorous plants, without the demanding care that fussier species need.
• No two plants look alike. Botanists call alata polymorphic, which means the leaves and pitchers vary from pale olive green through speckled forms to deep maroon.
• Grows like an orchid. A chunky, airy mix, regular misting and warmth are the essentials, and there is no special equipment to buy.
• Compact and tidy. At 10cm to 20cm it fits a bright shelf, a bathroom window or a small hanging pot.
• A real talking point. The pitchers trap and digest the odd insect that wanders in, which never fails to start a conversation.

Where it works best

Bright indoor spots. A windowsill or shelf with bright, filtered light suits it, away from harsh midday sun and out of cold draughts.

Tropical gardens. Where nights stay warm it can live outdoors, in a hanging pot or in the fork of a tree, as it would in the rainforest.

Hanging pots and baskets. An open container gives air around the roots, and the pitchers hang freely from the leaf tips.

Growing Pitcher Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Nepenthes love it warm and humid, and nights should stay above 10C. Outdoors all year, that means tropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors and put it outside only in the warmest months. Give it bright, filtered light.

Soil. An orchid mix is ideal, with chunks of bark, sphagnum moss or coir. It lets air reach the roots and drains water away fast.

Water and feed. Mist regularly and water often, but never let the mix turn soggy. Rainwater or filtered water is kinder than hard tap water. Once a year, a mature plant might welcome a pick-me-up of diluted orchid feed.

Pruning. None is needed. Snip off pitchers and leaves with clean scissors once they have browned.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pitcher Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, so pot it into orchid mix soon after it arrives and keep it warm and humid. Pitchers form at the leaf tips as the plant grows on.

Tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have it. When there is none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Exotic and rare plants
• Growing tropical foliage at home
• Browse indoor plants
• More tropical plants

Common questions

Do I need to feed it insects?

No. A pitcher plant makes most of its own food, and the odd fly it catches is a bonus. A mature plant may also like a diluted orchid feed once a year.

How warm does it need to be?

Definitely above 10C at night. Warm, humid air keeps it growing, so it suits tropical gardens or a heated indoor spot.

Can I grow it outside?

In tropical zones, yes. Hang it in filtered light or sit it in the fork of a tree. In cooler places, keep it indoors.