How to Propagate a Pitcher Plant

The pitcher plant is a carnivorous perennial that occurs naturally in bogs throughout eastern North America. It has tall, pitcher-shaped leaves that are filled with water and lined with nectar. When an unfortunate insect wanders into the "pitcher" and begins to feed it becomes trapped and is soon digested by the plant. The most common and successful method of propagating pitcher plants is to start them from seed. Pitcher plants require full sun and a continuously moist, nutrient-free growing medium in order to thrive.

• 1

  Gather pitcher plant seeds when the seed pod has started to dry, but before it bursts open. Use a pair of sharp scissors to clip the stalk off at the base of the plant. Hold the seed pod upside down over a small cup and shake gently to remove the seeds.

• 2

  Fill a 6- to 8-inch growing container with equal parts chopped sphagnum moss and lime-free sharp sand.

• 3

  Pour boiling rainwater over the growing mixture to eliminate any insects or disease. Press four or five seeds lightly into the mixture after it has cooled completely. Leave 2 to 3 inches between each seed to allow them room to grow.

• 4

  Put the container inside a freezer bag and seal tightly. Place into the refrigerator and allow the seeds to remain there for three or four months.

• 5

  Take the container out of the refrigerator and remove the freezer bag. Fill a 4- to 5-inch-deep basin with sterilized rain water and submerge the growing container. The water should be deep enough to cover the bottom half of the container.

• 6

  Move the basin and container to a location that receives bright sunlight the majority of each day. Add sterilized rainwater as often as necessary to maintain the correct water level in the basin.