Carnivorous plants (pitcher plants) are flesh-eating plants that use pouch-shaped leaves to trap and digest insects. Insects are lured with sweet nectar and visual bait. The inside of the pouch is often too slippery for insects to climb out. When an insect falls to the bottom of a tube filled with water, it is digested by enzymes or bacteria. Carnivorous plants developed this method of obtaining nutrients because they grow in soils that lack mineral salts or are highly acidic. This method allows the plant to compensate for this deficiency by absorbing nutrients from insects. If you wish, you can grow this amazing plant at home. Just follow these steps.
Step
Step 1. Learn the needs of each species
You can find this carnivorous plant all over the world. So, the need for cultivation of each type varies, depending on the area of origin. Read some quality books on this topic so that you understand each plant and what its needs are. Here's a quick overview of the various species of these insectivorous plants:
- Nepenthes, tropical pitcher plant, “monkey pot” - There are about 120 species in the genus Nepenthes and this species grows in the tropics of the Old World (mainly in the Malay Archipelago). Most of these species will require high humidity, plenty of water, and moderate to high light levels (similar to orchids). This species is not suitable as a “beginner” plant.
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Sarraceniaceae - This family of carnivorous plants grows in the New World and can be divided into three genera (groups of species):
- Sarracenia - All of these species grow in North America. This species requires distinct summers and colds, strong, direct sunlight, and plenty of water.
- Darlingtonia - This species is restricted to Oregon and northern California. This species is difficult to grow. The roots should always be cooler than the rest of the plant because this plant grows in an environment with cold running water.
- Heliamphora - All of these species are native to South America. The type is also difficult to cultivate.
- Cephalotus - There is only one species in this genus (Cephalotus follicularis) and it can be grown like any other subtropical plant.
- Bromeliad - This plant is in the same family as the pineapple. One or two species in this family are believed to be carnivorous. This plant does not have a characteristic "pocket" shape.
Step 2. Get a suitable carnivore plant
Once you've decided which species are the most appropriate to plant, start looking for the source. It is best to find a trusted nursery and buy healthy carnivorous plants from there. Ask them for additional advice on how to grow the species.
- You can also order carnivorous plants online, but there is a chance that the plants will be damaged and die during shipping.
- While you can grow carnivorous plants from seeds or cuttings, this method is not recommended for beginners.
Step 3. Place the plant in a sunny location and receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
The ideal temperature for plants is in the range of 15-30 C. The color of a carnivore plant will be stronger if it receives at least a few hours of full sun each day, but the plant will also grow quite well in partial shade. Most people grow carnivorous plants in a greenhouse or terrarium environment. YYou can make a cheaper version using small plates and plastic bottles; Cut off the top of the bottle and place it upside down on a plate. You can grow carnivorous plants in your garden if the environment is the same as where they naturally grew.
- Insufficient lighting often causes carnivorous plants to die in the home environment. If you don't have a greenhouse or a humid area that gets enough sunlight for your plants, consider using artificial lighting. Lighting with several cool or warm fluorescent lamps placed at a distance of 30 cm from the plant will help it grow.
- Place only sturdier carnivorous plants on the windowsill, even if they can get enough sunlight and needed moisture. Even if the bathroom has good humidity, usually the windows are too dark to provide the amount of light that plants need. Stronger carnivorous plants include sundew, bladderwort, and butterwort. The Venus flytrap may not be suitable for placing on the windowsill.
- Air conditioning makes the room too dry for carnivorous plants.
Step 4. After placing the plant properly, fill the bag with about 1-2 cm of water to keep the inside moist
During the transfer process, the liquid in the bag sometimes spills out, and if the bag becomes dry, the plant will die.
Step 5. Choose soil with good drainage
Good soil consists of one part peat moss and perlite or a combination of Sphagnum moss, charcoal and orchid bark. However, you should do very careful research on the type of soil and how it compares to the type of carnivorous plant you have. If the carnivorous plant does not like the soil you have chosen, the plant will not grow well and die. Do not use growing media or fertilizers for potted plants because carnivorous plants grow in infertile soil and will die in nutrient-rich soil.
Step 6. Keep the soil very moist during the growing season, from May to October
Pots with drainage holes should be placed on top of standing water 2.5 cm high. Do not let the plants dry out. Make sure the water you use is rainwater or distilled water, with low salt content. Aerating the water before giving it to the plant can help it grow. To aerate the water, fill a container with water to the brim, close the lid tightly, and shake vigorously.
Step 7. Keep the environment moist
Carnivorous plants can tolerate low humidity, but if the humidity is insufficient, the plant usually stops producing new “pouches.” Humidity around 35% is very good for plants. Greenhouses and terrariums can provide the humidity you need, but be sure to provide good ventilation so the air doesn't overheat or stagnate.
Step 8. Feed the plants
If the carnivorous plant is growing in an area where insects are scarce for a long period of time, you can add some small insects, such as flies or cockroaches, for the mature plant. However, usually this is not necessary. Many species can thrive if you add a small amount of a water-soluble fertilizer to the bag (for example, Miracid mixed with 1/8 teaspoon per liter of water). Add this solution to the bag until it is full.
Step 9. Take good care of the fertility of carnivorous plants
In addition to watering, maintaining moisture, and feeding, to keep carnivorous plants in good condition, you must give your plants enough space and protection for them to thrive:
- Prune all dry leaves with scissors when the dormant period begins. The dormant period varies for each species, but is usually for 3-5 months (or during winter in a country with 4 seasons). During this period you should keep the plant cooler and drier than usual.
- Protect carnivorous plants growing outdoors. Leave the growing carnivore plant in the pot or apply thick mulch of foliage and cover with plastic if the plant is left outdoors and you live in a cold area.
- Break up and transfer the plant to a new pot as the carnivorous plant emerges from its dormant period before the new plant grows quickly and starts the cycle again. Carnivorous plants can live for several years if properly cared for.
Tips
- Carnivorous plants can be split and replanted once they emerge from their dormant period, but this must be done before rapid new growth begins.
- Move plants that have been planted in new pots to a basement or other cool area during their dormant period (if you live in a cold area) and keep the soil moist. The ideal temperature is around 4 °C for a period of three to four months.
- If you are growing carnivorous plants indoors, place them in a south window or provide 12-14 hours of artificial light.
- Semar pitchers, such as Nepenthes or monkey pots need a greenhouse to grow properly. A greenhouse that allows orchids to thrive will provide the right environment for Nepenthes.
- Purchase plants that were bred in a nursery for the best results. Contact your local nursery to ask if they sell it or order online.
Warning
- Never allow carnivorous plant soil to dry out, even during the dormant period make sure there is water in the drainage plate.
- Never give fertilizer to carnivorous plants. Plants get their nutrition from the insects they catch. If you want to feed the insects, don't overdo it as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Carnivorous plants range in height from 10 cm (parrot pitcher plant) to 1 meter (yellow pitcher plant). Be careful, choose a carnivorous plant that suits your needs.
- Potted carnivorous plants can be grown outdoors during the growing season. Plants enter a dormant period during winter. Semar bags cannot be planted in freezing temperatures. North American carnivorous plants can be grown outdoors according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture growth zone.
- Do not use potted planting media for carnivorous plants because it can kill plants.
- Use only rainwater or distilled water to water carnivorous plants.
