Carnivorous plants in the fall, how does that work? What do carnivorous plants look like in the fall? We explain it to you in this informative and fun blog.
Carnivorous plants are truly seasonal plants. Therefore you will encounter carnivorous plants more often in spring and summer. There are also carnivorous plant species that are tropical, so you can encounter them all year round. The reason that they occur more in this period has not everything to do with the plant itself, but with the circumstances of the food. Insects are less common in the autumn. Due to the lack of prey, the plant goes into its reserves and a carnivorous plant needs less care. Learn more about carnivorous plant care?
Trumpet cup plant (Sarracenia) and Venus flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula) in the fall
In the fall, Trumpet cup plants (Sarracenia's) will miss some cups, but still remain impressive. All the energy goes to the part of the plant that is not visible, namely the rhizome that is in the ground. In winter it is best to put the Trumpet Cup Plant in a cool environment with light, such as a garage or a cellar in front of a window. Think of a temperature about 1 to 10 degrees. In this way, the plant reaches its optimal winter rest, allowing it to grow and bloom beautifully in the spring. In the spring the Sarracenia creates again (and more) new beautiful tubes. She goes back to work on her efficient task: catching insects. This is also true of the Venus flycatcher (Dioneae Muscipula). Like the Trumpet Cup Plant, the Venus flytrap is a subtropical plant. In fact, the Trumpet cup plant and the Venus flytrap come from cooler North America. This carnivorous plant also loses some "mouths" in the winter and moves to reserves. Like the Trumpet Cup Plant, it is best to keep it in a cool environment. In the spring, new beautiful mouths arise and can start catching again. Important: Did you buy a trumpet cup plant that comes from a warm greenhouse / garden center or from our webshop? Make sure you do not put the plant too soon in a cold room. The carnivorous plant can die because of the large temperature difference (climate).
Other tip: Make sure you do not water your plant too much during the winter months. The carnivorous plant is, as described above, hibernating and therefore takes up less water. By constantly standing in the water, the roots can start to rot. So make sure your carnivorous plant is moist, but not soaking wet.
Bucket plant (Nepenthes), the butterbur (Pinguicula) and the sundew (Drosera) in autumn
The pitcher plant (Nepenthes) is a tropical indoor plant and can therefore be kept indoors all year round. It is important that, as in summer, the plant receives plenty of indirect sunlight and water. In this way the plant will retain its beautiful cups. The last plants to be discussed are the sundew (Drosera) and the Mexican butterwort (Pinguicula Tina). Fun fact: these plant families are both found in the Netherlands, but the plants look different than tropical varieties offered in this shop. This is due to the different habitats of both plants. Also with this plant, as in summer, it is important that the plant receives direct sunlight and water. In winter, the Sundew loses its sundew drops, but the beautiful stems remain. This is for the reason that there are fewer insects in the fall. Therefore, the Drosera puts more energy into the plant itself. Are you ready to buy your own carnivorous plants? With the right care tips, caring for these carnivores is nothing, but you get a lot in return. They catch insects in your house/garden and the carnivorous plants serve as true eye-catchers. Check out our webshop and easily order your favorite carnivorous plant online. Want to know more about carnivorous plants in general, such as fun facts & figures? Then go to the carnivorous plant page.