Sarracenia psittacina aka Parrot Pitcherplant

Taxonomy

Sarracenia psittacina, also known as the parrot pitcherplant, is a carnivorous plant native to North America, specifically the Southeastern United States. It is a small insectivorous plant that grows up to 15cm tall and wide. The pitchers of Sarracenia psittacina are green and purple, with distinctive red-purple hoods that are patched with green and white. These pitchers are held horizontally against the ground, forming a flattened rosette. The plant employs a trapping mechanism similar to Darlingtonia californica, using a small entrance in the pitcher mouth to lure prey in search of nectar produced by the plant. The prey is then disoriented by light shining through what appear to be false exits and is guided further into the pitcher by criss-crossed downward-facing hairs. Within the pitcher, digestive enzymes such as proteases are present in the liquid to break down the captured prey. Sarracenia psittacina is frequently found submerged in its native habitat, where it captures water arthropods and tadpoles. It can be found in wetter parts of boggy areas in the coastal plain, ranging from southern Georgia and northern Florida to southern Mississippi. The plant is often located near the waterline, and on occasion, it may even be submerged. Small dark flowers can be seen blooming in the spring.

Common names

Parrot Pitcherplant, Pitcher Plant Parrot

How to care for Parrot Pitcherplant

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Parrot Pitcherplant due to its easy-going nature.

Soil

Parrot Pitcherplant requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Parrot Pitcherplant, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Parrot Pitcherplant will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Parrot Pitcherplant thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Parrot Pitcherplant.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Parrot Pitcherplant is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia