Are you tired of battling annoying gnats buzzing around your fruit bowl? Trader Joe’s has your back with an ingenious solution. Introducing the mini pitcher plant, a carnivorous marvel that serves as a heartless gnat assassin. This remarkable plant, now available for just $6.99, can be the perfect addition to your kitchen counter, effortlessly getting rid of those pesky insects while adding a touch of greenery to your home.
Key Takeaways
A Deadly Hunter in Your Home
The mini pitcher plant belongs to the Sarracenia family, a native North American species with slim tubes that resemble vases or pitchers gracefully reaching towards the sunlight. These remarkable tubes, also known as trumpet pitchers, are strategically designed to attract gnats and fruit flies. Intrigued by the enticing nectar at the opening, these pests fly inside, only to be trapped by fine, downward-pointing hairs that prevent their escape. Eventually, they drown in the nectar, becoming a nutritious meal for the plant itself. Talk about justice served!
But before you rush to grab one of these botanical assassins, let’s explore how to care for them.
Light: A Plant That Craves Sunshine
Contrary to its sinister nature, the pitcher plant loves basking in the sun. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. While they can be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill, ensuring they receive sufficient sunlight, south-facing windows are ideal. So, find the perfect sunny spot for your plant to continue its mission of gnat annihilation.
Water: Moist, but Not Soggy
Pitcher plants are particular about their watering needs. Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly soggy. It’s advisable to water them regularly, ensuring the soil volume is approximately 25 percent dry. However, be careful not to miss a watering, as these plants are not tolerant of drought conditions. If possible, use distilled or filtered water to provide the best care for your miniature assassin.
Temperature and Feeding: A Low-Maintenance Killer
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial to ensuring the health of your pitcher plant. They prefer warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees, making them suitable for indoor home environments. As for feeding, these remarkable plants are truly low-maintenance. Their prey consists of insects, providing them with all the necessary nutrients. A few insects every month are sufficient to sustain a fully grown pitcher plant. If pests are scarce, you can feed them a deceased critter or sprinkle a few flakes of fish food into the soil.
For the environmentally conscious, this natural exterminator from Trader Joe’s is an ideal choice. Without the need for harmful chemicals or pesticides, this miniature pitcher plant ensures a gnat-free environment, all while serving as an intriguing focal point in your home.
To help you locate these botanical bounty hunters at Trader Joe’s, Trader JOES Obsessed has kindly shared a photo on Facebook:
Remember, this is not the first time Trader Joe’s has offered insect-devouring plants. Previously, they showcased the Venus flytrap, renowned for its snappy traps that capture unsuspecting prey. It seems as though Trader Joe’s is transforming into the Little Shop of Horrors!
Ready to bid farewell to gnats? Visit participating Trader Joe’s locations and bring home your miniature pitcher plant for just $6.99. Be prepared to embrace a gnat-free future and witness nature’s own pest control in action.
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