Pitcher Plant Care: No Fertilizer, Pure Water, Live Insects Only

Pitcher plant growing well. Conflicting advice: spray fertilizer on leaves, feed bugs in cups, use tap water, transplant.

Correct Care

• No fertilizer ever—roots and leaves don't absorb nutrients.
• Nutrients come from insects digested in pitcher fluid.
• Use only distilled or rain water for roots. Tap water chemicals kill them.
• Do NOT add water to pitchers.
• Sphagnum moss mix must stay loose, porous, damp. Mist with distilled water.
• 1–2 live insects per week per pitcher. Overfeeding kills.
• Bright indirect light (north window), high humidity (humidifier/pebble tray).
• Never repot—leave roots alone.

Feeding Details

Each pitcher gets one insect weekly. Ensure previous insect is digested before adding next. Water pot-bound plant by thorough weekly drenching.