Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sarracenia flava var. cuprea
BeginnerSarracenia flava var. cuprea
A variety of the yellow pitcher plant, S. flava, with a reddish copper lid on a green to yellow tube. The copper lid against the tube is its charm, though on some clones the lid colour fades later in the season.
About
Sarracenia flava var. cuprea is one of the varieties of the yellow pitcher plant, S. flava, described by Donald Schnell in 1998; the name means 'coppery'. Its mark is a reddish copper outer lid contrasting with a green tube. On some clones the copper fades later in the season, though not on all plants of this variety. It is distinguished from var. atropurpurea, red over the tube as well, and var. rubricorpora, with only the tube red, by red colour that is confined to the lid. It is most common in North and South Carolina and also occurs in north-western Florida. The varieties of S. flava are based on colour, and many wild plants show features of more than one variety. The GBIF backbone merges it into S. flava, but in horticulture it is widely sold under the variety name. S. flava pitchers are typically about 50 cm tall, sometimes over 1 m, with yellow spring flowers. In Japan, plants with North Carolina locality data or clone numbers are sold online, by specialist nurseries and at auctions. Since the lid colour is the point of this variety, check photos of the plant in early to midsummer, when its pitchers are fully out.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Sarracenia flava var. cuprea
The Sarracenia flava var. cuprea grows to Pitchers typically about 50 cm (the species can exceed 1 m).
Basic Info
Origin
South-eastern USA (North and South Carolina, north-western Florida)
Lifespan
Perennial (can be kept for many years by division)
Size
Pitchers typically about 50 cm (the species can exceed 1 m)
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.
Pests & Cautions
The varieties of S. flava differ mainly in colour, and intermediate plants and crosses between varieties are common even in the wild. Do not rely on the variety name alone; check the colour of tube and lid on photos or the plant itself.
Sarracenia flava var. cuprea FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Sarracenia flava var. cuprea?
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 large does Sarracenia flava var. cuprea get?
The mature size of Sarracenia flava var. cuprea is Pitchers typically about 50 cm (the species can exceed 1 m). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Sarracenia flava var. cuprea?
Sarracenia flava var. cuprea: watering & fertilizer — No fertilizer (catches insects). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Sarracenia flava var. cuprea?
The price of Sarracenia flava var. cuprea 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 flava var. cuprea Schnell
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Sarracenia flava var. cuprea Schnell（Backbone では S. flava のシノニム） · GBIF Sarracenia flava L.（種）
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 flava
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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