Does anyone have suggestions on taking care of carnivorous plants ? Things that have worked for them. I am starting to grow a collection. I have bought The Savage Garden and purchased a venus fly trap and a pitcher plant. Things were going well with the trap but after transplanting it not so good. I find them fascinating.
These pictures were from better days
0 likesI’m not as educated in carnivorous plants but I’m wondering if the plant got stressed out. I’ve always been told to keep a carnivorous plant in a plastic pot and in soil that has no nutrients. I was also told to keep them in a shallow dish with distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Any nutrients will kill the plant.
0 likes I have read the same. They are watered from the bottom using only distilled water. I bought soil specifically for carnivorous plants. I also try to feed them blood worms (yes like the fish eat). Soak them in distilled water then put one in open leaf. It worked once. It was fascinating to watch the leaf enclose it!! I was wondering if there was someone out there that has experience. They are incredibly interesting. Thanks for responding to my post.
0 likesGlad to hear you’re taking good care of your plants! I think it just might have gotten stressed out when you transplanted it :)
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Carnivorous plants belong outside where they can eat. In the words of my good friend, getting a carnivorous plant and not letting it eat bugs outside is like getting a puppy and not feeding it. 😅 a bit extreme but they have adapted to not need fertilizers so they need LOTS of sun and bugs to supplement. Put it outside and let it experience rain. Mine always flushes immediately after a long rain shower. Also never use tap water. It’ll pretty much turn black and then 💀
1 like Thanks for responding. Unfortunately my new apartment life does not give me outside space. Nothing is allowed on fire escape. I bought fertilizer for carnivorous plants but that was probably a waste of money.
0 likes Yeah unfortunately you can’t keep them indoors long term. They get really really angry. Any windows you can put it in and just open the window?
0 likes Unfortunately screens lol
0 likes Dangit 💀💀
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This is how I have mine. Small amount of soil, moss and orchid bark inside the small dome with a small tray of rain/distilled water that’s kept at least half full. Also full sun! Seems to enjoy it. Good luck 😊
Really nice. I need to remember they are a smaller plant
0 likes How do you feed it?
0 likes For the most part I don’t, little fruit flies usually get the job done. They don’t take a lot of “food”. I have a lot of carnivorous plants that are all thriving with minimal maintenance. If you need to feed, one small meal bug or fly per whole plant, not mouth.
Fruit flies can happen!! You have given me some great help!! Your plants are gorgeous. Can you give them a fly you just killed or do they have to be alive? Also where did you purchase your plants? They truly are stunning. Sorry for all the questions
1 like You can give them freshly killed flies, don’t give them something too big or any hard shelled bugs. Also thank you, I get them from my local/family owned plant shops! My biggest pitcher plant I acquired when it was still pretty small, but now it’s over 2 and a half feet tall. Most carnivorous plants are pretty simple plants and help with any small fruit flies. You can even give the pieces of soft bugs, some even eat rodents.!
1 like Thank you so much. I find all the information you have given me helpful and fascinating!! I look forward to my carnivorous journey!!
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