About
Heliamphora nutans, the South American pitcher plant, is a carnivorous perennial to 45 cm tall producing cone-shaped, green, red-shaded pitchers to 30 cm tall and 10 cm wide at the lip. The pitchers attract and trap insects, augmenting the plant's nutrition in the nutrient-poor habitats of the tepuis in Venezuela. Nodding, white flowers with red bracts are borne on stems in spring. A fascinating and ornamental carnivorous plant for a cool, humid greenhouse.
About the genus
Heliamphora, the sun pitchers, are carnivorous perennials from the nutrient-poor highlands of Venezuela and Brazil, forming rosettes of tube-shaped, pitcher leaves that trap insects. Grown in cool, humid greenhouse conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toNorthern S America
Care notes
CultivationPlant in sphagnum moss with sand, perlite or pumice. Maintain high humidity and good air circulation and keep temperatures between 16-27oC. Expose to as much light as possible in winter but provide shade from the mid-day sun in summer. See carnivorous plant cultivation for further details
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed; scatter seed on sphagnum moss and keep in bright light and humid conditions. Propagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free