Darlingtonia

Family. Sarraceniaceae.

Origin. California.

Description. Darlingtonia is an unusual insectivorous plant that grows naturally in marshy areas. Light green, erect leaves - pitchers in good light have bright burgundy or red veins. The hole at the top of the jugs is directed downward in order to prevent moisture from collecting when it rains, and is covered with a forked valve of a reddish hue. The valve resembles a forked snake tongue, and the jug itself resembles the head of a cobra preparing to strike. The plant attracts insects with the smell of nectar. The jugs have a pubescence of small hairs on the bottom, which prevents insects from escaping the trap.

Height. Can reach 35 - 40 cm in height.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Normal room temperatures are fine for most of the year. During the winter months, when the darlingtonia is dormant, provide cool conditions at 7 - 10 °C.

Reproduction - darlingtonia from seeds

The seeds are sown in the spring in damp peat or sphagnum moss. The seedlings are covered with glass to maintain humidity, but it is removed every day for a few minutes to avoid condensation. Since young plants are very delicate, do not water them from above, but simply make sure that there is always water in the tray. Adult specimens can be divided in the spring during transplantation, when young leaves are just appearing.

Lighting

The flower does not tolerate direct sunlight, especially in summer. The leaves of this plant are prone to burns. In this case, darlingtonia should be provided with a well-lit place.

How to care

Since this species grows in swampy areas, the moisture content in the air must be very high, which is the main difficulty in growing this plant indoors. Darlingtonia goes dormant in winter for 3 to 4 months. Some pitchers dry out and should be removed, leaving a few young leaves.

Soil for a carnivorous plant

Use nutrient-poor soil. Excess nutrients can damage the root system. For growing, you can use sphagnum moss, peat or a mixture of moss, perlite and river sand in equal parts.

Feeding

Never feed darlingtonia. Even in the complete absence of insect prey, this plant feeds quite successfully through photosynthesis.

Flowering time

It blooms in spring with yellowish flowers with red veins, however, to prevent the plant from wasting energy on flowering, the bud is often removed.

Air humidity

Spraying is simply necessary, and daily. Use only soft water for spraying. Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier.

Watering

Water very generously during the period of active growth with soft water, making sure that excess water remains in the tray. Do not allow the soil to dry out even a little. In winter, excess water that appears in the tray must be drained. Darlingtonia grows in swamps fed by cold mountain rivers, so it responds well to watering with cold water. You can even put ice cubes on the surface of the soil - this will make life easier for the flower in the hot summer months.

Transfer

Adult plants are replanted in the spring every three years.

Pests and diseases

The flower does not tolerate cold drafts and is not afraid of harmful insects.