Question
Hi Jeff!

Before dormancy I trimmed off all pitches from Sarracenia, except for Phyllodia leaves.

Now that growing season is going to start again soon, I was wondering if I should remove the phyllodias or not? These are still green and alive.

How about Sarracenia purpurea and psittacina traps that overwintered and are now still looking fine? Do they have to be removed before new growths occurs?

Thanks a tons and have a nice Sunday!

Regards,

JP

Answer
Hi JP,

It's fine, and beneficial to leave the phyllodia.  The plant does some photosynthesis from those, and they are not dense enough to block light the way old pitchers do.  Just cut them off later in the growing season when they start to brown.

With Sarracenia purpurea forms and psittacina, only cut off dead material.  Leave living leaves.  Both of those plants tend to have very small rhizomes, so they don't have the energy reserves the bigger trumpet pitchers do.  They need their surviving leaves at the beginning of the season.  Also, they still catch bugs on warmer winter days.  I've seen many a fly captured here in the Pacific Northwest during a warmer winter day.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com