Carnivorous-Plants.co.uk

Cultivation

Darlingtonia is probably the easiest of all carnivorous plants to grow, the plants themselves are extremely hardy, and will survive high summer greenhouse temperatures (30° C) with relatively low humidity, to sub zero (0° C) temperatures - as well as frost and snow if kept outside - during the winter for some considerable time without any ill effects. 

Similar to Sarracenia, Darlingtonia thrives in good light and ventilation, preferably with high humidity.  However providing the compost is kept wet (only damp during the winter) it is able to withstand dry, direct sunlight conditions found in a typical conservatory or greenhouse. 

If the plant is to be kept outside, then provision should be made to ensure the compost is kept moist all year round.  This may seem obvious during the growing season, however winds during the winter can be extremely dry and if care is not taken plants can easily be lost due to lack of water during this period. 

Standing plants in plastic trays to hold the water will usually be found to be the best method, just ensure during the winter the plant is not completely immersed in water for any considerable length of time.  However many of our plants that have been kept outside have had their pots completely submersed and frozen in water for some days without any ill effects. 

During the growing season it is usual for moss to grow on the surface of the compost this does not cause any problems for the plant and can be left alone.  In fact moss growing on the surface can be taken as an indication that the water content of the compost is satisfactory. 

Normally the plant is best left undisturbed in it's container until it has become root bound, this will be evident by the emergence of additional plants on the end of rhizomes over the side of the pot.  Only at this time should the plant be lifted and repotted, unless additional plants are required prior to this. 

Feeding of the plant is generally unnecessary, and under no circumstances should any type of feed or fertiliser be added to the compost mixture.  However if required, a proprietary liquid feed diluted with rainwater can be injected into the pitcher.  Care should be taken to fill the pitcher no more than one third full.