Carnivorous plant care?

Question

I would like to know the best way to care for carnivorous plants. From what I have read, it seems like MOST of them like a non-fertile soil that is very wet. They can even be grown in ponds! I would love to have a separate pond just for them. If I were to do that, what would be the best way to construct it?

If I wanted to have a carnivorous plant garden without a pond, how could I go about it?

Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

Sink a kiddie wading pool in the ground, and fill with a peatmoss/sand mixture... Or, use some of your leftover flexible liner, or even the opened-up plastic bags that the peat moss comes in. It doesn't have to be water-tight- actually, it shouldn't be, you want to hold most of the water but not so much that it becomes a pond.
http://www.pitcherplant.com/bog_making.html

Answer 2

For starters, one variety of carnivorous plant, is the pitcher plant, and it can be found in boggy/swampy areas, rich in organic matter, such as humus. Pitcher plants like shady areas, or partial sun, and humid conditions, similar to the Venus Fly-Trap. Pitcher plants attract insects by the water it holds, much like a pitcher, but also exudes a substance that renders the insect unable to fly, thus drowning, and absorbed by the plant. They are found in growing zones 8, and farther south. They are ideal for green houses, a window sill, with partial/filtered light, or terrariums, just remember to add flies, and other small insects.

Answer 3

General Care of Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants have always inspired awe and excitement in kids of all ages. They are very specialized plants that have evolved to take advantage of the acidic, nutrient poor, and often waterlogged places that other plants find too inhospitable to grow. Because of these adaptations, carnivorous plants do not like the same conditions as typical housplants, however, they are not too challenging if some simple requirements are met.

One of the most important of these requirements is the substrate they grow in. In cultivation, most of these plants should only be grown in peat moss or a mixture of peat moss and sand in order to match the conditions they prefer. Standard potting soil is not acidic enough for these plants and will quickly lead to their demise. The substrate should always be kept wet, however it is important to use only distilled or rain water. CP's are very sensitive to chemicals and minerals that are found in tap water and their roots are quickly burned by it's use. Many species do best when their pots are set in a shallow tray that constantly holds ½" to ¾" or so of water. This ensures that the plants have a constant supply of moisture. One of the exceptions to this type of culture is when growing the Nepenthes. The tropical pitcher plants prefer a much more well drained substrate usually consisting of a mixture of perlite, tree fern fiber, peatmoss and charcoal. Different growers will have different recipes however the main goal is a moisture retentive yet very well aerated mix.

Lighting is also very important. With few exceptions, carnivorous plants like bright light. Under terrarium conditions it is best to use at least two fluorescent tubes that are no more than 10"-12" away from the plants. The lights should be on for about 14 hours a day. Lack of sufficient lighting results in weak, spindly growth and the plant will quickly decline. Some species, such as many of the Nepenthes, can tolerate lower light levels.

Carnivorous plants will also need high humidity to do well. This is easy to accomplish under terrarium conditions but can be more of a challenge on the windowsill. Misting the plants often will help on a temporary basis, however it would be better to use a room humidifier or create a plastic "tent" around the plants. Humidity levels of 50% or more are best.

Carnivorous Plant Terrarium Care

The types of carnivorous plants you will find in your terrarium are native to waterlogged bogs, therefore, the substrate should always be kept wet, however it is important to use only distilled or rain water. CP's are very sensitive to chemicals and minerals that are found in tap water and their roots are quickly burned by it's use. Check the moisture content of the substrate in the terrarium every couple days and add more water if necessary to keep the soil damp.

Lighting is also very important. With few exceptions, carnivorous plants like bright light. Ideally the terrarium should be placed near a window where it will receive some direct morning sun. Avoid any afternoon sun as it can quickly burn or overheat the plants. Lack of sufficient lighting results in weak, spindly growth and the plant will quickly decline. Under very bright light many types of carnivorous plants will develop a reddish hue to their leaves and can be very attractive.

Humidity is also important to the health of these plants. Humidity levels of more than 50% should be provided for ideal growth. Insufficient humidity will cause leaf edges to turn brown and the "dew" to dry up on sundews. Terrariums with limited ventilation often will go a long way in providing good humidity. Open bowl type terrariums may need the addition of a small piece of glass or plastic wrap over much of the opening may be required if room conditions are excessively dry.

Even though carnivorous plants are famous for eating bugs it is not a strict requirement. Most of them will be perfectly happy without the addition of food, however, if you do want to feed your plant caution must be used to avoid feeding it too large of prey. Venus fly traps can be rotted by feeding things like meat or large or hard shelled insects. In nature, carnivorous plants capture rather small prey. Sundews and pitcher plants are best allowed to catch their own food by setting them outside on warm, humid days.