Carnivorous plants are plants which have evolved to derive some of their nutrients from trapping and consuming other living organisms such as insects.
While they also derive energy through photosynthesis, they have adapted to get nutrients in this way because the places in which they grow do not typically allow them to get what they need from the soil.
They typically grow in areas where the soil is thin, or low in nitrogen and other nutrients – such as acidic bogs, for example.
Carnivorous plants have a range of ingenious mechanisms that they use to trap and extract food from other living organisms – some have traps, some pitchers; others use sticky pads, or use suction techniques.
They have become popular with many gardeners as houseplants, greenhouse plants, outdoors container plants or even for growth in an open garden.
Here are the main varieties of carnivorous plants grown in the UK:
Drosera / Nepenthes / Pinguicula / Sarracenia / Venus Fly Trap
The first thing to understand is that, due to their varied native ranges and natural habitats, carnivorous plants can vary considerably when it comes to what they need.
When it comes to growing medium, it is crucial to choose the right mix for each genus. All dislike nutrients in the medium, but some prefer free drainage, while others require very boggy conditions.
Additional feeding is not required for carnivorous plants, and you should take care not to overfeed insects.
You do have to make sure that you water well, according to the needs of the plant or plants you have chosen.
Carnivorous plants should be watered from below throughout the growing season. Usually, this is done by standing the plant pots in a shallow vessel filled with water. In the winter, the same approach should be taken, but excess water should be drained between times in most cases.
Some carnivorous plants are hardy, and may grow well in an outdoor bog garden. While many others, of course, require greenhouse or indoors conditions.
Most carnivorous plants will thrive in a bright position indoors or under cover, but should not be placed in an area with hot direct sun that can scorch plants through glass.
However, certain tropical species (like Nepenthes for example), prefer a more shaded spot, since they naturally grow in jungle conditions.
Always avoid placing carnivorous plants in a growing medium that is not specifically suited to them – media with high nutrient content are usually not suitable and should be avoided.
© 2024 TKO DIGITAL LTD | Company Registered in England and Wales No. 10866260
