Can I put it in a window?

Only if it is a south-facing window that gets direct, unfiltered sun for most of the day. Most indoor windows do not provide enough light for this species.

Should I trim the leggy pitchers?

You can trim them once they turn brown and crispy. If they are still green, leave them to help the plant gather energy until you can provide better light.

White-topped pitcher plant: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Move the plant to the sunniest window or outdoor location you have.
Check if the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Consider if the plant has had a proper winter rest period.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The pitchers are long, thin, and pale, and they cannot stand upright on their own. The plant looks stretched out rather than robust.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are growing indoors, use a high-output LED grow light positioned close to the plant.
Lack of dormancy
Possible
How to tell: The plant continues to grow weakly through the winter instead of resting. It becomes exhausted and produces thin, spindly growth.
What to do: Allow the plant to experience a natural winter dormancy by keeping it in a cooler area for 3 to 4 months. Reduce the light intensity and water slightly during this period to let it rest.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white-topped pitcher plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is not immediately fatal, but it makes the plant vulnerable to pests and disease. It is normal for the plant to look a bit tired at the end of winter, but it should perk up in spring.

Stopping it coming back

Provide maximum sun exposure throughout the growing season. Ensure the plant gets a proper, cool dormancy period every winter.

White-topped pitcher plant: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white-topped pitcher plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I put it in a window?: Only if it is a south-facing window that gets direct, unfiltered sun for most of the day. Most indoor windows do not provide enough light for this species.
Should I trim the leggy pitchers?: You can trim them once they turn brown and crispy. If they are still green, leave them to help the plant gather energy until you can provide better light.

Why is my White-topped pitcher plant growing so tall and thin?