Content
The peculiar shape of the flowers gave the pitcher plant its name
The flower of the pitcher plant (Nepenthes)
Pitcher plants (Nepenthes) are not grown because of their inflorescences, but because of the eye-catching pitchers. The flowers develop shafts that can be between 15 and 100 inches long. The plant forms both male and female flowers.
The heyday of the pitcher plant
The flowering period of the pitcher plant begins in March. It can last into September.
The pitcher plant is dioecious. The male flowers are recognizable by their unfortunately foul smell. The scent of dung causes the pitcher plant to attract insects to catch them in the cans and digest them.
If the flowers are fertilized by insects or the gardener, seed capsules form in the female flowers, in which up to 500 seeds can ripen.
Tips
Pitcher plants are among the carnivorous plants (carnivores). However, it is not necessary to feed Nepenthes with insects, even in winter. The plant can nourish itself through the substrate and over the leaves.