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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October

Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK

North American Pitcher Plant
Availability:
Out of stock
Sold out
Original price £11.99 - Original price £11.99
Original price
£11.99
£11.99 - £11.99
Current price £11.99
Supplied in a 9cm Pot

You’ll receive one established division growing in a 9cm pot with soil perfect for Sarracenia. Plant size and seasonal appearance will vary; photos show our mother plants.

Seasonal Information

30.07.26 - Many Sarracenia species and hybrids are starting to lose their early pitchers, which may now be removed before shipping

Delivery Information

Delivery from £4.99 (mainland UK). We aim to dispatch orders within 2 working days.

Description of Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK

Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata – Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK is a red-lidded location form recorded in Mike King’s collection as A3.

The upright pitchers have green to yellow-green tubes crossed by fine red-purple veins. These markings form a loose network on the outside, then become stronger inside the opening. Long maroon lines extend up the throat, leaving pale green strips between them. The narrow, rolled lip stays mainly green.

The hood curves forward over the mouth, with a broad outline and slightly lifted margins. Its underside carries a deep burgundy-red wash that covers most of the surface. This concentration of red pigment on the lid is the defining feature of Sarracenia var. rubrioperculata, rather than dark colouring throughout the whole tube.

Where the lid meets the throat, the solid colour breaks into separate veins. Green tissue remains visible between these markings, creating a clear transition from the dark hood to the lighter interior below. View the pitcher from just beneath the lid to see this change in colour most clearly.

In spring, A3 MK produces pale yellow to yellow-green flowers. Broad petals hang beneath green sepals, and the curved stalk gives each bloom a nodding position.

Plant photos above are of our Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK mother plants. Divisions are taken from the mother plants and are planted into 9cm pots to be sold. Division sizes can vary greatly and will always be sent largest first. If you'd like to know the size of a plant before ordering, please feel free to contact us.

Sarracenia Alata Var. Rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest Mississippi) Mk-A3

Basic Sarracenia Care

Sarracenia alata var. rubrioperculata - Red Lid (De Soto National Forest, Mississippi) A3 MK is easy to care for, given the correct conditions. An unheated greenhouse is an ideal location. Here are the 3 golden rules for healthy Sarracenia pitcher plants.

  1. Provide as much sun as possible.
  2. Keep their pots sat in 1-2cm of rainwater.
  3. Use acidic soil. A 1:1 peat moss & perlite mix is typical.

Take a look at our full, in-depth guide for more information.

FAQs

Can I grow Sarracenia outdoors in the UK?

Yes, most Sarracenia species are fully frost-tolerant and can live outside all year round in UK gardens, bog gardens, or patio pots. Species such as leucophylla and psittacina can be more sensitive and usually fare better in an unheated greenhouse.

How do I water Sarracenia?
  • March–October: Stand the plant pot in a saucer or tray containing 1 to 3 cm of rainwater (or more when the weather's really warm). The soil should never be allowed to dry out.
  • November–February: Keep the soil just damp, reducing the standing water significantly while they rest.
Can I use tapwater for Sarracenia?

No, unless you live in a very soft water area (<50ppm) do not use tapwater. Regular tap water contains minerals, lime, and chlorine that burn and kill the roots over time.
Always use collected rainwater, distilled water, or reverse-osmosis (RO) water.

Do Sarracenia need winter dormancy?

Yes, Sarracenia need a cold winter rest period (roughly from Halloween to Valentine's Day) with lower temperatures (unheated greenhouses, cold frames, or bright sheds). Their old pitchers will turn brown and die back; this is completely natural. Trim away dead growth in late winter to prevent mould (botrytis).

Read more here: How to Keep Your Sarracenia Healthy Through Winter Dormancy

What kind of soil should I use for Sarracenia?

Use a specialist peat-free or low-nutrient carnivorous plant compost, typically mixed with perlite or equivalent for drainage. Never use standard multi-purpose garden compost, which contains too many nutrients.

Read more here: Sarracenia Soil Mix Guide: Simple Pitcher Plant Soil for Beginners