Carnivorous
Bog Plant Care
This guide provides general information on growing and caring for carnivorous plants such as Venus Fly Traps, Sarracenia, Butterworts, and Sundews. For detailed information on specific carnivorous plants, refer to the Plant Info section.
Rule 1
Water all the time
Carnivorous plants, native to bogs and similar nutrient-poor habitats, thrive in constantly damp conditions. To grow them successfully, mimic their habitat by keeping the soil consistently wet or damp. Use the tray method: place pots in a tray with water at all times. Pitcher plants can handle soggy soil with water up to half the pot’s depth, but most carnivorous plants prefer damp to wet soil, so aim for a 1/4 inch water level, refilling as needed. Water from below to avoid washing away sticky mucilage and triggering false alarms in flytraps.
Rule 2
Mineral-free Water
Use mineral-free water, like rainwater or distilled water, for carnivorous plants. Collect rainwater near a downspout. Avoid bottled drinking water as it contains too many minerals. Purchase distilled water or use the condensation line from an air conditioner. Tap water can over-fertilize and harm these plants. If tap water is your only option, flush out minerals with rainwater when available.
Rule 3
Mineral-free Soil
Use mineral-free soil for carnivorous plants, mimicking their natural habitat. Mix sphagnum peat moss with clean, washed sand in a 1:1 ratio. Use plastic pots, not terra cotta, to avoid mineral leaching. Fly traps prefer more sand, while Sarracenia Pitcher Plants prefer more peat. Avoid beach or limestone-based sand due to salt content.
Rule 4
Lots of Light
Carnivorous plants, typically found in sunny, nutrient-poor bogs, thrive in bright conditions that often stunt the growth of other plants. They can be successfully grown indoors or outdoors, requiring exposure to full sun to develop their characteristic red pigmentation, and artificial light can be used with a timer for 12-14 hours to mimic natural lighting.
Why We Are Unique
Dormancy:
Carnivorous plants from temperate climates need a dormancy period, a natural way to survive winter. This can involve forming winter buds, leaves, or dropping leaves. They enter dormancy when winter begins, needing less water, reduced daylight, and cooler temperatures for 3 to 6 months, which can be achieved in a basement, frost-free porch, or refrigerator. Tropical carnivorous plants, however, don’t require dormancy.
Humidity:
Carnivorous plants, naturally found in humid bogs and swamps, require high humidity for optimal growth. This can be achieved by keeping the plants wet at all times, using a humidifier nearby, or growing them in an open terrarium. Avoid sealing the terrarium tightly to prevent fungus and mildew, leaving a slight opening for airflow.
Temperature:
Carnivorous plants generally thrive in normal room temperatures, avoiding species that require extreme warmth or cold. They are usually tolerant of temperature variations, but for best results, keep them within their optimal temperature range.
Feeding and Fertilizing:
Avoid feeding or fertilizing carnivorous plants. They can catch enough insects on their own, typically needing only one or two per month to thrive. You can demonstrate their trapping abilities with a carefully placed fly, but avoid using raw meat or cheese, as they can harm the traps. Freeze-dried insects or wingless fruit fly cultures from pet shops can be used occasionally. Experienced growers have had some success with diluted fertilizers, but this is not recommended for beginners due to the risk of over-fertilization. If used, fertilizers should be heavily diluted, often at a 1/10 ratio, and applied as a foliage spray.
