Trumpet pitcherplant Sarracenia x tess 'L'

Saraccenia x ‘Tess’ is a remarkable hybrid from the trumpet pitcher family. This plant consists of a rosette of specially formed leaves that are able to catch insects. Leaves are tubular with on top a pitcher lid which contains many down-facing hairs to guide insects in their traps. The pitcher’s edge, also known as the peristome, is extremely slippery, even insects are not able to keep their hold. The variety ‘Tess’ is known for its deep red to burgundy pitchers. Grown in correct conditions, pitchers could grow larger than half a meter in height. Pitcher plants could produce flowers in summer. Flowers are carried by especially long inflorescences, to avoid accidentally consuming their valued pollinators. This plant is propagated by division of mature plants or sowing ripe seeds.

Saraccenia x ‘Tess’ is created by crossbreeding several wild species. These plants grow originally in marshes of Northern America. Provide these pitcher plants with warm and wet conditions in the growing season. Plant them in a nutrient poor, moist retaining soil mix, containing peat moss as the main component. Do not let the soil go dry, it should remain wet or swampy throughout the year. Only use rainwater or water that does not contain any minerals, as this would burn the roots. Place these plants in a very bright environment. The more direct sunlight the better. When actively growing, this plant should be kept warm, up to 35 degrees Celsius. From spring until the beginning of autumn, it is possible to grow this plant outdoors. In winter, the plant could go dormant and lose the majority of its leaves. The next growing season, this plant resprouts from its roots. It is not needed to apply fertilizer with this plant, an occasional ‘feeding’ of caught insects is possible.