This week, on Plant Tip Tuesday...

"Mmmm, insects!" - is what we imagine Carnivorous Plants would say!

Popular Carnivorous Plants kept as houseplants are:

• Dionaea aka Venus Fly Traps
• Sarracenia aka Trumpet Pitcher Plants
• Nepenthes aka Tropical Pitcher Plants

These unique plants attract insects by scents, nectars, and colour of their foliage and flowers. Depending on the species the insect is trapped or falls into its modified leaf. The insect is then digested by enzymes and the plant enjoys the nutrients. Carnivorous plants also photosynthesis so they don’t solely depend on insects for all food energy, and it is not necessary to “feed” them insects constantly.

These plants absolutely love high humidity, and they appreciate being grown in an open terrarium. They are sensitive to chemicals in tap water and watering and misting with rain, distilled, or filtered water is best. Potting substrate is also very important as they don’t like any additives and should be grown in straight peat.

These fun plant friends require a bit more maintenance, but they are totally worth it!  Just look at these cool guys!