How to Grow and Care for a Purple Pitcher Plant: A Gardener’s Dream Plant
Purple pitcher plant are among the most interesting and exotic houseplants available. Native to Asia, Africa, and Australia, purple pitcher plants have large green leaves that form a cup shape when the plant is young. As these plants mature, the cup begins to turn a vibrant purple color, which gives them their name. These stunning plants are not difficult to grow so long as they are given the right conditions. Read on to learn more about how to grow a purple pitcher plant as well as care tips and information on common problems and solutions.
What is a Purple Pitcher Plant?
A purple pitcher plant is a tropical plant that grows from a rhizome or tuber and produces large green leaves that form a cup shape. As the plant matures, the cup begins to turn a vibrant purple color. Purple pitcher plants are grown for their dramatic foliage and attractive flowers. These plants are quite dramatic, so they are excellent for creating an interesting focal point in the home or office. They also make excellent gifts for gardening or plant-loving friends and family members. There are three species of purple pitcher that are commonly grown as houseplants: – Nepenthes lavendered: This species is native to Malaysia. Its large leaves are lavender in color. – Nepenthes tomoriana: This species is native to Borneo. Its large leaves are a vibrant purple color. – Nepenthes spectabilis: This species is native to the Philippines. Its large leaves are a deep purple color. While the leaves of these plants are stunning, the real attraction is the pitcher. As the plant matures, the pitcher develops on the upper surface of the leaves. It is shaped like a pitcher, hence the name. The pitcher is used to trap insects which provide the plant with nutrients. The plant then digests the insects and uses the nutrients as fertilizer.
Where to Buy a Purple Pitcher Plant
If you are looking to buy a purple pitcher plant, it is best to purchase one online. Purple pitcher plants are not often found in garden centers or shops, although you may be able to find a local garden center that sells them. It is best to purchase a plant online, though, as you can choose a healthy, young plant that will have a better chance of thriving. When buying a purple pitcher, look for a healthy plant that has sizable leaves. Avoid plants that are wilted, have dry or yellow leaves, or that are root-bound. Reputable online nurseries will include growing and care instructions as well as offer a warranty on their plants.
Growing Conditions for a Purple Pitcher Plant
Before purchasing and planting a purple pitcher plant, make sure you can provide the right conditions for it to thrive. These plants are tropical and will not survive in cooler climates. While purple pitcher plants can be grown as houseplants, they do best in a greenhouse or indoors in a sunny window or grow lights. Grow purple pitcher plants in potting soil that is well-drained and has plenty of organic material such as peat moss or coconut fiber. When growing purple pitcher plants indoors, place them near a sunny window but avoid direct sunlight. Place the plant in a tray of water and leave the leaves submerged for up to an hour each week to help keep the plant hydrated.
Care for a Purple Pitcher Plant
The care for a purple pitcher plant includes providing the right growing conditions and proper watering as well as fertilization. Next, you should prune the leaves of a purple pitcher plant regularly to help it grow larger. Blooming is done by cutting the stem of the plant at the base and allowing the leaves to wither and die. The plant will then regrow with flowers at the base of the leaves. Finally, you should repot the plant every one to two years using compost that is well-draining and has plenty of organic material such as peat moss or coconut fiber.
Problems with Growing a Purple Pitcher Plant
While growing a purple pitcher plant is relatively easy, there are a few problems you may encounter along the way. The biggest problem with growing these plants is that they require adequate warmth. If the temperature is too cool, the plant will not thrive. If the plant is too cold, it will wilt and may die. You can sometimes save an overly chilly plant by moving it to a warm, sunny window. If you are growing a purple pitcher plant, it is a good idea to check the temperature of the soil regularly. If it is too cool, place the plant in a warm spot such as near a heater or in a sunny window. Other problems with growing a purple pitcher plant include poor soil drainage, excessive water, and the plant outgrowing its pot.
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Summing up
Purple pitcher plants are amazing plants that are not only easy to grow but also easy to care for. These plants are ideal for beginners as well as more experienced gardeners. The dramatic foliage of these plants makes them great for creating an interesting focal point in the home or office. They also make excellent gifts for gardening or plant-loving friends and family members. If you are looking for a plant to add a bit of drama to your indoor garden, a purple pitcher plant is the ideal choice. These plants are stunning and add a tropical feel to any indoor space. They are also fairly easy to care for and will add a splash of color and interest to any indoor space.
