Scarlet pitcher plant (Nepenthes coccinea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Scarlet pitcher plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Nepenthaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Scarlet pitcher plant
Nepenthes 'Coccinea', often referred to as 'blodkannranka' in some regions, is a popular hybrid pitcher plant cherished for its vibrant and attractive red pitchers. These urn-shaped, often mottled traps hang gracefully from its leaves, making it a striking focal point in medium to large terrariums or as a hanging plant in a warm, humid greenhouse.
Native range
Borneo and Sumatra
Care tips
This plant requires bright, indirect light; avoid intense direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves and pitchers. Keep the growing medium consistently moist with rainwater, distilled, or deionized water, never tap water, and ensure the pitchers have some fluid inside. Use a well-draining and airy substrate, such as a mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or long-fiber sphagnum moss. A common mistake is allowing the substrate to dry out completely or attempting to fertilize it, which can be detrimental.
How to save a dying Scarlet pitcher plant
- Warning signs
- Dry or undeveloped pitchers, yellowing or browning leaves, slow or no growth.
- First aid
- Increase humidity (pebble tray), ensure distilled/rainwater, check roots (rot).
- What kills it
- Tap water (minerals burn it), low humidity, dry or waterlogged substrate, strong direct sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and main stem is green. Act fast!