1-3 Plants in Tissue Culture Cup

Botanical Name:

Sarracenia 'Fiona'

Visual Description:

The Sarracenia 'Fiona' is a remarkable carnivorous pitcher plant known for its elegant, slender pitchers that feature a captivating blend of green and pinkish-red hues. This hybrid variety can produce pitchers up to 35 cm tall, each topped with a gracefully arching hood that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The pitchers are adorned with delicate veining that becomes more pronounced with increased sunlight, offering a dynamic and attractive display. In tissue culture, the plant shows a compact and organised growth habit, making it an ideal addition to both personal collections and professional displays.

Key Features:

• Carnivorous Nature: Sarracenia 'Fiona' effectively traps insects in its tubular pitchers, using digestive enzymes to break down prey and supplement its nutrient intake, particularly in nutrient-poor environments.
• Ideal for Terrariums and Containers: Grown in tissue culture, this plant is perfect for terrariums or as a feature in any carnivorous plant collection. Its manageable size and neat growth habit make it suitable for a range of settings, both indoors and outdoors.
• Vibrant Colouration: The pitchers exhibit a stunning combination of green and pinkish-red, which intensifies under bright light, making it a visually striking plant.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers full sunlight, which enhances its vibrant colouration and supports healthy, vigorous growth.
• Water: Requires consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Use rainwater or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 15-30°C. While it can tolerate some temperature variations, it should be protected from frost.
• Humidity: High humidity levels, around 50-70%, are ideal for maintaining robust growth.

Tissue Culture Care and Hardening:

Upon receiving your Sarracenia 'Fiona', it is important to properly harden the plant to ensure a smooth transition from the controlled tissue culture environment to your home or garden. Follow these steps for successful hardening:

1. Gradual Humidity Reduction: Begin by placing the plant in a covered container or terrarium with high humidity. Over 1-2 weeks, gradually increase ventilation by opening the container more each day, allowing the plant to adapt to lower humidity levels.
2. Shaded Location: Initially, place the plant in a shaded area with indirect light. After a few days, gradually introduce it to brighter light, but avoid direct sunlight until the plant is fully hardened.
3. Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist during the hardening process, using rainwater or distilled water. Ensure the soil does not dry out, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
4. Temperature Stability: Maintain a stable temperature during the hardening process, ideally between 20-25°C. Protect the plant from extreme temperature changes.
5. Monitoring: Observe the plant closely for any signs of stress, such as wilting or discolouration. Adjust humidity, light, and water levels as needed to support the plant's acclimation.

Once the plant has fully hardened, it can be gradually moved to its permanent location, whether in a terrarium, container, or outdoor setting. With the right care, your Sarracenia 'Fiona' will thrive, offering a beautiful and intriguing addition to your collection.