Sarracenia flava var. cuprea is a striking variant of the classic Yellow Pitcher Plant, prized for the coppery bronze sheen that develops across the hood of its pitchers—especially when grown in bright light. Native to the southeastern United States, this variety is a standout in any bog garden or carnivorous collection, offering bold vertical form and a metallic glow that intensifies through the season.
In spring, the plant produces tall, trumpet-shaped pitchers with copper-tinted lids and vibrant green tubes, often veined or suffused with red. The effect is dramatic—almost sculptural. Each pitcher is a passive trap, designed to lure in flying insects with nectar and color, then capture them in its tubular trap. In early spring, before the pitchers fully emerge, it also produces elegant, nodding yellow flowers that resemble parasols and smell faintly of daffodils.
Like all Sarracenia, flava var. cuprea thrives with full sun, nutrient-poor soil, and pure water. It prefers the tray method—keeping its pot sitting in about an inch of distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. A winter dormancy is essential: in fall, it will begin to die back and should be allowed to rest in a cool, bright location until growth resumes in spring.
Care at a Glance
Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best color and growth
Water: Tray method with distilled, rain, or RO water (tap water OK if living in California Bay Area)—keep soil wet at all times
Soil: 1:1 peat moss and perlite or silica sand (no fertilizer!)
Dormancy: Requires winter dormancy (cool temps, less light, no feeding)
Growth Habit: Tall upright pitchers with coppery lids; yellow spring flowers