Carnivorous Plants Care Guide

So, you got your a unique conversation starter in your home? But how do you keep these botanical hunters thriving? Here's a species-specific breakdown to unleash their full carnivorous potential! 

 

Plant Care Guide for Carnivorous Plants

 

1. Nepenthes (Pitcher Plants):

  • Temperature: Warm (15-27°C)
  • Humidity: High (70%+)
  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight (6-8 hours daily)
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. You can also fill the pitchers halfway with water.
  • Dormancy: No dormancy period required.
  • Feeding: Not crucial, but occasional bloodworms or small flies are okay.
  • Special Care: Nepenthes thrive in high humidity. Terrariums or pebble trays with water can create a humid microclimate. Enjoy the vibrant colors of their alluring pitcher traps!
  • Soil: Well-drained potting mix. We recommend the Gotcha Plants Carnivourous Plants Potting Mix for Nepenthes or make your own by mixing 60:40 coarse coco coir and medium Perlite or use sphagnum moss.
  • Note: most of our Nepenthes varieties or species are so called „intermediate“ - they can handle lower but also higher temperatures. But there’s also „lowland“ and „highland“ Nepenthes that can be a bit more temperamental when it comes too low or too high temperatures.

 

2. Venus Flytraps (dionaea muscipula):

  • Temperature: Requires cool winters (4-10°C) for dormancy, followed by warm summers (21-27°C).
  • Humidity: Moderately humid (50-70%)
  • Light: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
  • Dormancy: Venus Flytraps require a cool dormancy period. Reduce watering and place them in a protected location with cooler temperatures.
  • Feeding: Not necessary, but occasional small flies or bloodworms are fine. Avoid triggering the traps frequently.
  • Special Care: Keep them cool in winters to simulate dormancy and maintain trap effectiveness.

 

3. Sarracenia (Trumpet Pitchers):

  • Temperature: Cool (10-24°C)
  • Humidity: Moderately humid (50-70%)
  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight (6-8 hours daily)
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Trays with water can be helpful.
  • Dormancy: Some Sarracenia varieties benefit from a cool dormancy period (4-10°C) with reduced watering.
  • Feeding: Not essential, but occasional bloodworms or small flies are okay.
  • Special Care: These trumpet-shaped beauties prefer cooler temperatures than Nepenthes. Their colorful displays and sweet-smelling nectar lure insects to a watery demise.
  • Soil: Repot them every 1-2 years into fresh carnivorous plant mix or sphagnum moss. Or make your own by mixing 60:40 white peat moss and perlite. We recommend the Gotcha Plants Potting Mix for Venus Flytraps, Sundews, Sarracenias & Bladderworts.

 

4. Sundews (Drosera):

  • Temperature: Cool to moderate (10-24°C)
  • Humidity: Moderately humid (50-70%)
  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight (6-8 hours daily)
  • Watering: Water from the bottom to keep the soil moist and the dew (digestive enzymes) on the leaves effective.
  • Dormancy: Some Sundew varieties may enter a semi-dormancy period in winter with reduced watering.
  • Feeding: Not necessary, but occasional small flies or bloodworms are okay.
  • Special Care: Watering from the bottom ensures the sticky dew remains effective for catching prey.
  • Soil: Sundews can become overgrown over time. Repot them every 1-2 years into fresh carnivorous plant mix or sphagnum moss. Or make your own by mixing 60:40 white peat moss and perlite. We recommend the Gotcha Plants Potting Mix for Venus Flytraps, Sundews, Sarracenias & Bladderworts.

 

5. Bladderworts (Utricularia):

Bladderworts are aquatic or bog plants. They have tiny bladders under water that trap unsuspecting insect prey. Here's a bladderwort's ideal habitat:

  • Temperature: Cool to moderate (10-24°C). Some tropical varieties may tolerate slightly warmer temperatures.
  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight (6-8 hours daily). Avoid strong direct sunlight.
  • Water: Keep them submerged! Bladderworts can be grown in:
    • Shallow containers: Fill a container with 2-3 cm of water and place the plant on a media like sphagnum moss or a carnivorous plant mix. The water level should constantly reach the base of the plant.
    • Aquariums or ponds: Bladderworts can be integrated into aquariums or ponds with other compatible fish and plants. Ensure the water remains cool and nutrient-poor.
  • Dormancy: No dormancy period required.
  • Feeding: Not necessary, as they get nutrients from their prey. However, occasional bloodworms or mosquito larvae can be offered.
  • Special Care:
    • Water Quality: Use distilled water, rainwater, or RO water. Avoid tap water due to mineral content.
    • Boggy Environment: If using a container, consider adding a thin layer of peat moss on the bottom to create a slightly acidic, boggy environment.
    • Repotting: Bladderworts can become overgrown over time. Repot them every 1-2 years into fresh carnivorous plant mix or sphagnum moss.

 

Do you still have questions? Send us a message and we will do our best to help you.