Imagine a plant that lures, captures, and digests insects, providing it with the nutrients it needs to thrive in the poorest of soils. Carnivorous plants do just that! While most gardeners are familiar with the Venus fly trap, there are over 500 species of carnivorous plants spanning 15 genera, many of which are native to New Zealand. These intriguing plants are not only survivors of some of the world’s most inhospitable environments but are also a marvel of natural design.
Position
Carnivorous plants thrive in bright, sunny spots and are ideal for growing in indoor containers or outdoor bog gardens. They need full sun for at least 6 hours daily to help their digestive processes. A bright windowsill or greenhouse is perfect for indoor varieties. For outdoor growth, ensure they are planted in acidic, nutrient-poor soils like those found in boggy or wetland environments.
Prepare Soil
Flytraps don’t need re-potting straight away; you should have them for more than 6 months before you repot, and repotting should be done in spring.
Garden: When planting in the garden, use peat moss as the base for the soil, mixed with a third of pumice to improve drainage. Carnivorous plants thrive in acidic soils with a pH of around 4-5. Never add fertiliser to the soil, as these plants derive all their nutrients from insects, not the soil.
Pots: For container-grown carnivorous plants, use a similar mix of pure peat moss and pumice. The soil should be free of nutrients and provide excellent drainage. Plant them in pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Feed
Garden: Carnivorous plants will catch their food. However, if planted in a location where insects are scarce, you can feed them insects manually. Small flies, ants, or crickets work well. Place a few insects on the traps, and the plants do the rest. Avoid overfeeding, as too much food can overwhelm the plant.
Pots: Feeding insects is the best way to provide nutrients for potted plants. If you don’t have access to live insects, you can also use dried insects from pet stores. Do not fertilise the plant, as this can damage it.
Watering & Mulching
Carnivorous plants require pure water, such as rainwater or distilled water, as they are highly sensitive to chemicals found in tap water, especially chlorine. Keep the plants in a saucer of water to ensure the roots remain hydrated without becoming waterlogged.
Use mulch like sphagnum moss or leaf litter around the base of the plants to retain moisture and maintain the acidic environment in which they thrive.
Protection
Carnivorous plants are relatively hardy but need protection from cold temperatures and frost. If grown outdoors, consider covering them with frost cloth during the colder months or moving them indoors for winter. Indoor plants should be kept in a warm environment with a consistent temperature between 20-30°C.
Avoid placing pitcher plants (Sarracenia) in areas that are too windy, as strong gusts can damage their soft structures.
Plant Care
You can prune dead or damaged traps to encourage fresh growth. Be careful not to remove too many leaves at once, which can slow down the plant’s overall growth.
Garden Expert Tip
Carnivorous plants are low maintenance once their basic needs are met. To keep them healthy and thriving, ensure they’re placed in a sunny position with access to pure water and nutrient-poor soil. If you’re growing them indoors, a bright windowsill is ideal. For the best results, try to replicate their natural environment, and remember never to fertilise—they get their nutrients from the insects they trap! Keep a close eye on the fascinating feeding process, and let these unique plants bring a bit of the wild into your garden or home.
