How to Repot a Pitcher Plant

The pitcher plant is one of the most interesting and colorful of the carnivorous plants. As a result, it has become a popular indoor plant. But over time, the pitcher plant's potting medium, which is made primarily of sphagnum moss, will shrink and compress. Fresh potting medium will improve air circulation to the roots, resulting in a hardier, healthier plant. Repot your pitcher plant every two years to keep it looking its robust best.

Pot with drainage hole

Peat moss

Sphagnum moss

Charcoal

Coarse sand

Distilled water

Hold the pitcher plant in a clean planting container, and fill the container with freshly mixed potting medium. To make the potting medium, combine two parts damp peat moss and two parts clean sphagnum moss with one part washed charcoal and one part clean, coarse sand. Be sure the planting container has a drainage hole in the bottom.

Jiggle the pot gently to settle the potting medium around the pitcher plant. Don't tamp the potting medium with your fingers, because doing so will compress the medium around the plant's root system.

Water the pitcher plant thoroughly to settle the potting medium; allow the water to run through the drainage hole. After the initial watering, keep the potting medium damp, but never allow the pot to remain in standing water. Use distilled water to water the pitcher plant, because tap water contains salts and minerals that eventually will damage the plant.

Put the pitcher plant in filtered or dappled light. Avoid putting the plant directly in a hot window.

Avoid planting your pitcher plant in a clay pot; opt for plastic or ceramic pots instead. Salts and minerals build up faster in clay.