A Jaw-Dropping Visit with Alberto Bossi: Home of the World’s Tallest Sarracenia

December 20, 2025

If you’re passionate about carnivorous plants like I am, you’re always chasing bigger, stronger, more impressive growth. Alberto Bossi takes that obsession to an entirely different level.

I’ve visited hundreds of growers around the world, and I have never seen a Sarracenia that comes remotely close to his legendary plant known as Sarracenia “La Gigantessa” — a towering giant that has reached an astonishing 144 cm (56.7 inches) in height.

Sarracenia “La Gigantessa” at 143 cm in 2024

It was a hot mid-July day in Italy when I had the privilege of visiting Alberto’s extraordinary collection once again. I had first toured his greenhouse in 2024 alongside Danilo Cazzaniga of DC Carnivores, but Alberto could only join us briefly that time.

Danilo Cazzaniga (DC Carnivores) during our 2024 visit

This visit was different — I spent an entire evening with Alberto as my personal guide. We spent hours exploring his massive greenhouse, home to hundreds of thriving Sarracenia, complex hybrids, and other carnivorous plants. Alberto openly shared his growing philosophy — from media selection to dialing in light, airflow, and humidity for maximum pitcher size.

Seeing La Gigantessa up close is genuinely mind-blowing. In 2025 it measured 135 cm (53.1 inches) without stretching the lid, all while growing in a modest 14 cm pot.

The plant is a hybrid Alberto made around 2010:
Sarracenia ‘Leah Wilkerson’ × ‘Brooks Hybrid’

It stands as a true testament to patience, consistency, and world-class cultivation.

Alberto Bossi with his legendary Sarracenia “La Gigantessa”

At one point, someone even offered Alberto €10,000 for the plant — an offer he immediately declined. Some plants simply aren’t for sale.

After the greenhouse tour, we headed out for a proper Italian dinner — incredible food, deep conversations about plants, AI, driverless cars, European and American politics, and plenty of laughs.

The night wrapped up at a local music festival, soaking in the summer atmosphere before I finally made it back to Alice and Luca’s place around 2 AM.

Myself (Jeremiah Harris), Alberto Bossi, and La Gigantessa

Visits like this remind me why I love this hobby so much. The plants are incredible — but it’s the people and friendships that make it truly special.

A huge thank you to Alberto for his generosity and hospitality.

Q&A with Alberto Bossi

Secrets to Growing Giant Sarracenia

1. What do you think contributes most to your giant Sarracenia?

“I think it’s a combination of climate, feeding, and care. Where I live, summers are hot and wet. My greenhouse stays open, so the plants catch a huge amount of prey. I simply try to keep them as healthy as possible.”

2. What soil mix do you use?

“I grow most of my Sarracenia in coco fiber, with live sphagnum growing on top. The only species that don’t like coco fiber are S. psittacina, S. minor, and S. purpurea — those I grow in peat.”

Another look at Sarracenia “La Gigantessa”

3. How big is your greenhouse?

“It’s actually not very big — about 6 × 10 meters. But I also grow many Sarracenia outdoors.”

La Gigantessa towering above everything else

4. Any plants you’d still like to master?

“I’m currently testing a climate-control system to cool summer temperatures. I’d love to grow Darlingtonia to its full wild size — I’ve always struggled with it!”

5. Do you fertilize?

“No need — the plants catch too much prey! I only fertilize plants grown in terrariums or grow boxes.”

If you’re growing Sarracenia and dreaming of giants, take inspiration from growers like Alberto. With patience, the right setup, and maybe a bit of Italian flair, who knows how tall your plants could grow?

What’s the tallest pitcher in your collection? Share it in the comments below.