Cultivation, by genus › Darlingtonia

New World pitcher plant family · 1 in this guide

Substrate

Three parts long-fibred New Zealand sphagnum moss to one part pumice or lava rock, or two parts lava rock/pumice to one part peat, or pure live sphagnum — always airy, to keep the roots cool.

Pot

A pale-coloured plastic pot, ideally extra-large or double-walled, reflects heat and helps keep the roots cool — dark pots in the sun are best avoided here.

Water

Tray method, evenly damp to wet year-round; use cold or even refrigerated water, especially in warm months — overheated roots are the leading cause of death in cultivation.

Location and light

Bright light, but no intense midday sun — morning sun only, or filtered light all day. Shade the pot itself to prevent it heating up. Indoors it can work under grow lights.

Temperature

Tolerates -9 to 32 °C as long as the roots stay cool, ideally 4-13 °C. In summer, use insulated pots, a water-cooling system or chilled irrigation water. Winter dormancy — usually outdoors or in an unheated space — is essential.

Source: the per-species habitat data elsewhere in this guide, summarised by genus.