Carnivorous plants are incredibly fascinating organisms that increasingly attract both plant lovers and the curious. Not only are they exotic and beautiful, but they have also developed a unique way of surviving by capturing and digesting insects and, in incredibly rare cases, small animals.
Should you want to add carnivorous plants to your collection or just learn more about them, read on to find out which species are most popular and why.
1. Venus flycatcher (Dionaea muscipula)
The Venus flytrap is perhaps the best-known carnivorous plant. We all know it and the plant owes this to its iconic trap mechanism and bright colours. The lobes or mouths of the Venus flytrap are covered on the inside with tiny and sensitive trigger hairs that, when touched twice within 20 seconds, cause the trap to snap shut and the prey is trapped. This happens at lightning speed and is incredibly fascinating to witness. The Venus flytrap is a very popular choice among carnivorous plants because they are relatively easy to maintain and are also spectacular to watch, especially when they catch prey.
Care tips:
- Provide plenty of light.
- Use distilled water or rainwater to prevent minerals from damaging the plant. So do not use tap water.
- Keep the soil constantly moist but not soaking wet.
2. Trumpet pitcher plant (Sarracenia)
The Trumpet cup plant is known for its tall and like trumpet-shaped leaves that the plant uses as a trap. These leaves produce a nectar-like substance to attract insects. The insects come to the edge of the calyx and slide into the trap where they are welcomed by a liquid containing enzymes, which in turn digest the insect. Sarracenia is incredibly sought after for its colourful and ornate cups, which range from green and red to purple and yellow.
Care tips:
- Place the plant in bright light.
- Use a mixture of peat moss and perlite for a well-drained soil.
- Keep the plant moist and always use rainwater, reverse osmosis water or distilled water.
3. Sundew (Drosera)
Sundews can be recognised by the glistening and sticky dewdrops that lie on their tentacle-like leaves. The dewdrops serve as a lure for insects. The insects land on these drops and cannot escape. When the insect is well attached, the tentacles will wrap around the insect and release an enzyme that digests the insect. Sundews come in many different species, colours and sizes. This makes them incredibly versatile for any plant collector.
Care tips:
- Provide plenty of bright light.
- Keep the soil moist, again using only rainwater, reverse osmosis water or distilled water.
- Plant the Sundew in a mixture of peat moss and sand for optimal drainage.
4. Cup plant (Nepenthes)
The Cup Plant, or Nepenthes, has unique and beautiful cup-shaped leaves that hang like cups. These cups are filled with a sweet-smelling liquid that attracts and digests insects. The Nepenthes is particularly popular because of its exotic appearance and the variety of colours and patterns the cups can have.
Care tips:
- Provide high humidity and bright, indirect light.
- Use an airy and well-drained substrate, such as a mixture of peat moss, bark and perlite.
- Keep the plant constantly moist and again use rainwater, reverse osmosis water or distilled water.
5. Fat leaf (Pinguicula)
Fat-leaf plants have thick leaves covered with a sticky sweet-smelling substance. This substance catches insects that are then digested by the plant. Fat leaves are popular because of their compact size.
Care tips:
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Use a well-drained mix of peat moss and sand or perlite.
- Keep the soil slightly moist and use rainwater, reverse osmosis water or distilled water.
Why are these carnivorous plants so popular?
Many of these carnivorous plant species we have listed have a striking appearance that varies not only in bright colours but also unique shapes. They are often the centre of attention in a plant collection and believe it or not, they are also a really good topic of conversation.
- Unique features: The way these carnivorous plants catch and digest insects is fascinating and gives you a picture of evolution and adaptation in nature.
- Easy to care for: Despite their exotic appearance, many carnivorous plants are relatively easy to care for with the right preparation, just remember to always provide basic needs to the plants.
- Educational: Carnivorous plants are a great learning tool for children, but also definitely for adults who want to know more about plants and ecology.
What should I look out for when buying?
The most important thing for any plant is natural light. Most carnivorous plants need plenty of light, but direct midday sun can be harmful. Make sure you have a spot with enough indirect light. However, this is not the only thing, let's look further:
- Water quality: Always use distilled water, reverse osmosis water or rainwater to prevent minerals from damaging the roots. These minerals are mostly found in tap water.
- Humidity: Some carnivorous plants, such as Nepenthes, need high humidity.
- Soil: The right soil is essential. Almost always use a combination of peat moss and perlite to create a well-drained soil. We at Carnivory.eu have also developed our own fantastic soil. So you don't have to do anything more.
Conclusion
We at Carnivory.eu see carnivorous plants as a great addition to any plant collection. Not only do they fascinate you with their appearance and ability to catch insects, they also offer a glimpse into the world of plants and evolution. Whether you choose the classic Venus Flytrap, the graceful Trumpet Cup Plant, the shimmering Sundew, the exotic Cup Plant, or the compact Fatleaf, there is always a carnivorous plant to suit your needs and circumstances. With the right care and attention, these plants can thrive and captivate you for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Order today and start your carnivorous plant collection.