Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sarracenia × catesbaei
BeginnerSarracenia × catesbaei
The natural hybrid between tall S. flava and squat S. purpurea. It is intermediate between them, with pitchers stouter than S. flava and more upright than S. purpurea. One of the long-known classic Sarracenia hybrids.
About
Sarracenia × catesbaei is the natural hybrid between S. flava and S. purpurea. Its English name is Catesby's pitcher plant. The hybrid name was based on a plant from Chesterfield, South Carolina, and so denotes the S. flava × S. purpurea combination; the Gulf Coast combination of S. flava with S. rosea has a separate hybrid name, S. × naczii, so do not confuse the two. Sarracenia species hybridize readily and the hybrids are fertile, so where the parents meet, hybrids and backcrosses grow mixed together. First-generation hybrids are usually intermediate, between the long, slender tube of S. flava and the squat pitcher and upright hood of S. purpurea, and often show red veining or colour from S. purpurea. In backcrosses the features of one parent may be almost invisible. In Japan it is a standard hybrid at aquarium plant shops and carnivorous plant nurseries, sometimes with locality or clone names. Care is the same as for other Sarracenia: full sun, tray watering, no fertilizer and a winter dormancy.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Natural hybrid of the south-eastern USA (S. flava × S. purpurea)
Lifespan
Perennial (can be kept for many years by division)
Size
Little published size data (intermediate between the parents)
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
No fertilizer (catches insects)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow outdoors in full sun; with too little light the colour is poor and the pitchers are weak.
Watering
Keep the pot standing in about 4-6 cm of water at all times and never let it dry out. Use rain water or other water low in dissolved minerals.
Soil & Repotting
A 1:1 peat and sand mix is the standard. Divide and repot well-grown plants every 3 or 4 years.
Temperature & Overwintering
Let it go dormant in winter. Fully dormant plants survive a few weeks frozen solid in their pots, but early and late frosts are the danger. Keep the winter spot cool, not warm.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize the soil of mature plants; it can cause rhizome rot. Plenty of sun and access to prey are enough.
Pruning & Grooming
The plant recovers nutrients from old leaves, so cut off only the brown, dead parts.
Sarracenia × catesbaei FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Sarracenia × catesbaei?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Sarracenia × catesbaei?
Sarracenia × catesbaei: watering & fertilizer — No fertilizer (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Sarracenia × catesbaei?
The price of Sarracenia × catesbaei varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Sarracenia × catesbaei (Elliott) Bell
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Sarracenia × catesbaei (Elliott) Bell
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
The whole genus Sarracenia is listed in CITES Appendix II (apart from a few Appendix I species and subspecies), and this covers hybrids and cultivars too. Import and export across borders require CITES permits, but no registration is needed to buy, sell or give plants within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) Sarracenia × catesbaei
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
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