Choosing a suitable container for your Pitcher plant will ensure your plant starts healthy and thriving. In this article, I will explain and teach you exactly which are the best containers for Pitcher plants.
Glazed ceramic, plastic, and resin pots are suitable for Pitcher plants. Young plants fit in 4-6 inch pots, while adults fit in 6-10 inch pots. The pots must contain enough drainage holes to avoid root rot and molding.
Since the color, size, and structure of the container you choose can affect the growth of your Pitcher plant, make sure to follow the recommendation in this table and read the next section for pot recommendations and advice.
| Suitable materials | Glazed ceramic, plastic, resin, styrofoam |
| Unsuitable materials | Concrete, unglazed ceramic, clay, terra cotta, metal |
| Diameter | 4-6 inches for young plants, 6-10 inches for mature plants |
| Drainage | Must contain drainage holes |
| Color | Avoid black pots in extremely hot locations |
Suitable Pots and Growing Containers for Pitcher Plants
I have tried several pots and found some that work great for my Pitcher Plants and other carnivorous plants.
You can find many different potting containers that will be safe and appropriate for Pitcher plants online or in shops. But, if you are looking to buy something that works right away, I recommend this pot if you are looking: https://amzn.to/3IYVGKU
.
The link will take you to Amazon.com, where you can check the price. They are affordable (you can get multiple of them for less than 20 dollars), have proper drainage, and the plastic is safe for your plants. For the size, I recommend the 5.5 or 6.5-inch pots for a young Pitcher plant and the 7.5-inch pot for mature nepenthes. Also, choose the white pots for hot outdoor locations for better insulation.
These are the key considerations when selecting a pot for your Nepenthes:
Pot Material: When selecting a container, first make sure it is made of a safe material. Terra cotta, metal, clay, and concrete pots can leach minerals into the soil. Those minerals are usually harmless to most plants, but they are toxic for Pitcher Plants.
For best results, employ a material like plastic, resin, wood, or glazed ceramic. Those materials do not leach any minerals to the ground, and they provide insulation.
Drainage: Avoid pots with no drainage. The lack of drainage holes keeps the soil moisture too high and can kill your plant. Instead, use pots with multiple drainage holes.
Size: The size of the pot you use depends on the size of your plants. However, do not worry too much about the sizing as it is not critical. 4-6 inches work well for young plants, 6-10 inches for mature plants.
Color: The color of the pot can influence the insulation for your plant. Avoid dark color pots if you live in a very sunny location and are worried about extreme heat. White pots work best in sunny climates.
Hanging pots: Hanging pots are great candidates for Pitcher plants. Water can moisten the soil when pots are hanging and then exit the pot through the drainage holes. Hanging pots prevent your plants from sitting in water for extended periods.
Hanging pots are not mandatory. However, I do recommend getting rid of the tray. Do not use a pot tray. Instead, let the pot drain any excess water immediately. Technically, pitcher plants can sit in water for short periods, but it is risky as you have to be measured.
Pitcher Plant Potting Guide
When potting or repotting your pitcher plant, you will need a handful of important elements: carnivorous plant soil, pure water, a pot, and a pruning tool. Employing the wrong ingredients can end up harming your plants.
The timing for repotting and potting a Pitcher plant is also essential.
As a general rule, repot pitcher plants every one to two years. Replace the old soil with new media to promote growth and prevent rotting. If the plant outgrew its original pot, upsize.
Make sure you have the correct soil, water, and pot before you get started by going over the requirements. Then, watch the video for a step-by-step guide.
Avoid standard potting mixes, employ carnivorous plant soil
Pitcher plants are unique in appearance and unique in their specific soil requirements.
Never plant Pitcher plants in standard potting mixes, such as Miracle-Gro, garden soil, or cactus soil. Always employ carnivorous plant soil; it has low mineral content and usually has elements that help drainage and aeration.
Nepenthes are very sensitive to minerals. Any type of nutrients present in the soil or the water can be very harmful to these plants. Pitcher plants thrive in low-nutrient environments.
Pitcher plants require soil that preserves moisture and has drainage. Sphagnum moss, peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, and horticultural sand are common elements in most Pitcher plant soil mixes like, for example, a 2:1 combination of long-fibered sphagnum moss and silica sand.
Only water with distilled water or rainwater
Tap water and most bottled water contain too many minerals and nutrients to be suitable for nepenthes. These plants require low mineral water. To keep your plants healthy, you should employ any source of pure water, such as:
- Rainwater
- Distilled water
- Reverse osmosis water
Technically, Pitcher plants can withstand some amount of minerals in the water. However, unless you are measuring the ppm water content, avoid tap water, stream water, bottled water, etc.
Pitcher Plant Potting Instructions
Pitcher Plant Care 101
Growing Pitcher plants can be a challenge. It can be done when following specific instructions. The table below contains a summary of the critical highlights of Pitcher plant care. And, if you are looking for more information on pitcher plant care guide, read this complete guide.
| Care Consideration | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting Requirement: | More than 10 hours of light exposure through natural or artificial light. |
| Watering Requirements: | Only employ distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. The soil must be humid at all times. Avoid the tray method Bog gardens are suitable options. Mastering watering is critical to keeping your plant healthy. My guide on watering Pitcher plants contains the complete instructions and best practices. |
| Soil: | Employ nutrient-free soil: A mixture of peat moss or sphagnum moss and perlite or silica sand. |
| Temperature: | Common temperature range during the growing season: 60 – 80 F (15 – 27 C) |
| Humidity: | > 50% humidity level is recommended |
| Trimming: | Occasionally trim dried up leaves and flowers. This article explains the trimming process. |
| Feeding: | Pitcher plants capture bugs on their own. There is no need to feed the plant manually. |
| Fertilizers: | Not required. |
| Pots: | Employ plastic, glazed ceramic, or glass pots with drainage. |
| Repotting: | Repot once a year to promote growth. |
| Dormancy: | Some pitcher plant varieties require dormancy. |
| Outdoor vs. Indoor growth: | It can be grown in both outdoor and indoor environments |
The Best Containers for Carnivorous Plants
If you have other carnivorous plants make sure to check my guides on pots and growing containers for Sundews and Venus Flytrap: