Caring for Carnivorous Plants

Feeeeed meeeee! We get lots of questions about carnivorous plants here at Heeman’s! They’re really fascinating plants that have evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor environments. Instead of using their roots to collect nutrients, they capture and digest insects and other small prey. It’s not just their unusual feeding habits that make these plants so intriguing, but their striking appearances that can make them real conversation starters.

To keep these unique plants happy, they do need some specific care. Read on to learn a bit more about carnivorous plants and how to care for them:

Types of Carnivorous Plants

There are many different species of carnivorous plants. Here at Heeman’s we typically carry a few, including the ones listed below.

• Venus Flytrap:  Perhaps the most famous, Venus Flytraps have hinged leaves that snap shut when tiny hairs are triggered by unsuspecting insects. They are native to the subtropical wetlands of the East Coast of the United States.
• Pitcher Plants: These plants have modified leaves forming a deep cavity filled with digestive liquid. Insects are attracted by nectar and fall into the pitfall traps, where they are digested.
• Butterworts: These plants have greasy, sticky leaves that trap and digest small insects.

Basic Care Needs

Caring for carnivorous plants can be a lot of fun and very rewarding, but to be successful some basic understanding of their unique needs is important.

• Light: Most carnivorous plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Venus flytraps and many pitcher plants, for instance, need several hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. Sundews and butterworts can tolerate lower light conditions but still need bright light to thrive.
• Water: These plants generally prefer distilled water, rainwater or sometimes melted snow in a pinch because they are sensitive to the minerals and chemicals in tap water. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good method is to place their pot in a shallow tray of water, allowing the plant to absorb water from the bottom.
• Soil: Carnivorous plants need a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil mix, a typical blend consists of sphagnum or peat moss, and perlite or sand. Avoid regular potting soil as it contains too many nutrients. There is no need to use fertilizers since they get all the nutrients they need from the insects they eat.
• Humidity: Many carnivorous plants, especially tropical varieties like Nepenthes (a variety of pitcher plant), require high humidity to mimic their natural habitats. Regular misting, placing near a humidifier or in a high humidity room like a kitchen or bathroom can help maintain the necessary humidity levels.
• Feeding: While these plants can catch their own prey, occasional feeding can be beneficial, especially for indoor plants. Use small insects like flies or spiders and avoid feeding them meat or other human food. Do not overfeed, as this can harm the plant. 
• Dormancy: Some species, such as Venus flytraps and temperate pitcher plants, will do best if allowed to have a dormancy period during the winter months. This can be simulated by reducing watering and providing cooler temperatures (around 2-10°C).
• Summertime: These plants will do well if you are able to keep them outside for the summer! They make an interesting centrepiece for the patio table. The higher humidity, rain, sunshine and most importantly the chance to catch some bugs will keep them happy.

Carnivorous plants are captivating additions to any plant collection, with an interesting appearance and a glimpse into the amazing adaptability of nature. With the right care, these plants can thrive and continue to be a conversation starter  with their fascinating insect-catching abilities!