Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Measure how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.
- Observe if the pitchers are leaning toward a window.
- Check if the plant is losing its red or purple coloration.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The pitchers are pale, thin, and leaning heavily toward the nearest light source. They lack the vibrant colors typical of the species.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are indoors, use a high output LED grow light placed 6 to 10 inches above the plant.
Seasonal Dormancy
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is naturally slowing down as days get shorter. It is not necessarily unhealthy, just preparing for its winter rest.
What to do: Allow the plant to experience cooler temperatures and shorter light cycles. Reduce water slightly, but keep the soil damp.
Find out what's wrong with your north american 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
It is normal for the plant to look a bit tired in late autumn as it enters dormancy. You should worry if it is mid summer and the plant is still stretching for light.
Stopping it coming back
Place your plant in the sunniest spot you have, preferably outdoors. If growing indoors, supplement with strong grow lights year round.
North American pitcher plant: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your north american 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Will my plant turn green if it is leggy?
- Yes, lack of light causes the plant to lose its deep red or purple pigments. It will turn a pale, sickly green.
- Can I trim the leggy pitchers?
- You can trim them once they turn brown and crispy. Do not cut off green pitchers, as they are still helping the plant make energy.
More problems with North American pitcher plant
- Why are there bugs on my Trumpet Pitcher Plant?
- Why is my Trumpet Pitcher Plant looking sick at the base?
- Why are my Sarracenia leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Sarracenia pitcher tips turning brown?
- Why is my Sarracenia drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Sarracenia pitchers?
- Why is my Sarracenia not producing flowers?
- Why are my Sarracenia leaves curling?
Back to the North American pitcher plant guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.