Carnivorous plants

Carnivorous Plants

• Carnivorous plants grow in nutrient-poor soil, which lacks the essential minerals that create the structure and colour of the plants.
• Plants have traps containing digestive enzymes that break down insects.
• Non-tropical carnivorous plants may be found across the United States and Canada.
• Sarracenia and Dionaea are cold-tolerant plants that are not able to handle consistent heat, requiring a cool rest over winter.
• Asian carnivorous plant species like Nepenthes are mostly tropical, perfectly happy kept warm indoors throughout the year.
• All Carnivorous plants prefer very high humidity.
• The 'lids' of Nepenthes traps will start to dessicate from the tip if there is a lack of moisture.
• Completely saturate the growing medium or keep it in a saucer topped up with water at all times.
• All Asian carnivorous species will grow well in terrariums.
• You can buy the peat-free compost for carnivorous plants from Floralive (UK).
• Ensure the terrarium is thoroughly watered.
• Once the terrarium has been planted, cover the opening of the fishbowl with cling film to ensure high humidity.
• Carnivorous plants may be watered with hard water as well as mineral water.
• If windows are left open, carnivorous plants will feed on insects quite successfully, although this isn't 100% necessary for the health of the plant.

Tropical Carnivorous Plants

Light

Bright light.

Water

Moist but well drained. They like medium to high levels of humidity.

Cold-Tolerant Carnivorous Plants

Light

Bright but indirect light.

Water

The soil can be allowed to dry out during winter. Continually moist soil is best.