White-Topped Trumpet Pitcher Plant - Sarracenia Leucophylla

Sarracenia leucophylla can be found in southwest Georgia, northwest Florida, southern Alabama, to eastern Mississippi. It is among the tallest of all carnivorous plants, easily reaching 3 feet tall in nature. Leucophylla will produce traps each Spring, but it is in the Fall that it is the most spectacular. While most Sarracenia will slow down their development in the Fall, Leucophylla will produce its largest traps of the year. The traps produced in the Fall are larger and white than those produced in the Spring. The white coloring at the top of the hatches shows very well through the red veins. When grown in very hot regions, it can produce phyllodia, leaves without a hatch, in the middle of summer. The flowers are dark red. Cut the dead leaves to make room for the young shoots. They catch their prey by offering them a nectar which is secreted around the mouth of the plant and at its inner base. The insects will find the nectar, and if they take a wrong step, will fall into the trap. Once inside, retreat is impossible. Small, stiff hairs point downward, retaining insects. The inside of the hatch is also very slippery; even the insects with the best traction will not be able to get out. When the insect reaches the bottom, it is dissolved by enzymes, providing the plant with essential nutrients. It can germinate well in sphagnum moss as well as in a mixture of sphagnum moss and sand, which can be 30% to 100% sphagnum moss. You don't have to fertilize since the plant relies on insects for food. Humidity should be between 60-80%. It needs an atmosphere and a moist soil. The water should be distilled or rainwater, since they do not tolerate tap water. It is a good idea to place a saucer containing an inch of water, under the pot. Raise the pot by placing stones, so that the base of the pot is barely in contact with the water. This will provide the plant with a constant source of moisture. Hardiness zones 6-9