Perennial
Tropical Pitcher Plant
Nepenthes
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardNepenthes
Sizes & Pricing
3 inFrom$9.95
4 inFrom$16.95
5 inFrom$27.95
8 inFrom$42.95
1 galFrom$27.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size1-3 feet × 1-2 feet (varies significantly by species)
About Tropical Pitcher Plant
Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes spp.) are tropical carnivorous plants native primarily to Southeast Asia, producing modified leaves that form hanging, fluid-filled pitchers that trap and digest insects and other small animals. The pitchers range dramatically in size, color, and form across hundreds of species, making this one of the most diverse genera of carnivorous plants. Grown as novelty and specialty plants, they are highly prized by collectors and botanical enthusiasts worldwide. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Red, Multi
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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F
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Provide bright, indirect or dappled light — ideally under shade cloth, a lath structure, or a covered patio. Avoid harsh direct midday sun, which scorches pitchers; lowland species thrive with 2–4 hours of gentle morning sun in NE Florida.
Water
Keep the potting mix consistently moist but never waterlogged; always use rainwater or distilled water — Nepenthes are sensitive to tap-water minerals. Maintain high humidity (60–90%); in NE Florida's hot summers, mist regularly or grow in a humid microclimate.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in a nutrient-poor, well-draining mix of sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark (pH 4.0–5.5). Do not fertilize with standard fertilizers; occasional dilute foliar feed (1/4 strength) or insect prey in the pitchers is sufficient. Never use tap water for irrigation.
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Common questions
Is Tropical Pitcher Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Tropical Pitcher Plant is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet (varies significantly by species).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.