Sarracenia 'Barba'
fly killing pitcher
- 8.5cm pot | 20cm tall
- £16.99
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: bright filtered or bright light
- Soil: a specialist carnivorous compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 20cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose a 10cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
'Barba,' formerly known as Barbapapa, is a unique trumpet pitcher plant with rounded pitchers that resemble the Barbapapa cartoon character. This carnivorous plant employs a 'lobster-trap' mechanism to catch prey. Nectar-secreting glands inside the pitchers lure insects, which then become trapped as they move further down. The insects drown in the sticky, enzyme-rich fluid at the bottom, where the plant digests them for nutrients. With enough light, the pitchers of 'Barba' turn a deep red, enhancing its striking appearance.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from.
This carnivorous plant should be watered from below during the growing season. The easiest way to do this is to stand the pot in a saucer that is filled with 1cm of soft or rain water. Ideally the pot and water-filled saucer should be kept on a tray of gravel as this will help keep the humidity high. When the plant is dormant, water only when the compost gets dry, making sure the excess can drain away freely. Pot on in spring using a specialist carnivorous plant compost. Plants take a few years to reach maturity and their full potential size. Regular feeding with insects can support healthier and more vigorous growth.