As fascinating as the breeding and keeping of carnivorous plants, also known as carnivores, is - these plants are not suitable for absolute garden beginners. Some experience, time and, above all, a suitable location are required to ensure the correct care of these sometimes very exotic species.

Care for carnivorous plants varies by species

Do all carnivorous plants need the same care?

The species also differ in part in their maintenance requirements. If you are unsure, you should learn how to properly care for the species you keep.

Do carnivores need to be fed?

Feeding carnivorous plants is not necessary, in fact it is rather harmful. Carnivores get by with few nutrients, which they already get from the plant substrate. In addition, the insects found in the house, which the plants themselves catch, are quite enough.

If you still want to feed, enter:

  • only living insects
  • only one prey at a time
  • do not feed animals that are too large

Is fertilizing carnivorous plants necessary?

Since there are sufficient nutrients in the plant substrate, fertilizing is not necessary. While it is often advised to occasionally give diluted orchid fertilizer, this is superfluous.

How are carnivores watered?

The plant substrate must never dry out completely. Place the pots with the carnivorous plants in saucers that you fill with water using the dam method.

If possible, never water carnivores directly from above, but only from below.

Can you water with regular tap water?

Normal tap water contains a lot of lime. Carnivores do not tolerate lime at all. Therefore, if possible, only water with rainwater.

If you don't have rainwater available, you can give still mineral water as a substitute.

Distilled water is often recommended as a substitute. However, you should only give this water in an emergency. It does not contain any minerals that plants need for growth.

Need to increase humidity?

Normal humidity is usually sufficient for butterwort. For all other species, the humidity should be at least 60 to 80 percent. By setting up water bowls, especially in winter, you can increase the moisture content of the air. Regular spraying of the plants with rainwater is also helpful.

But make sure that no mold forms in the room or on the plants due to the high humidity.

Ventilate regularly, but keep in mind that carnivores do not tolerate drafts well.

Do carnivorous plants need pruning?

You don't have to cut carnivorous plants at all. However, it can be useful if you cut off inflorescences at the same time on some species such as the Venus flytrap. Otherwise the plants have to put too much energy into flowering. This power is missing for the development of safety gears.

You should also cut out diseased and rotten leaves.

When is repotting necessary?

Even if most species do not grow as rapidly, it is advisable to repot carnivorous plants every year. The best time for this is early spring. The plants only need a larger pot if they protrude beyond the edge of the pot or the roots have spread throughout the pot.

When transplanting, replace the plant substrate as completely as possible. Carnivore soil decomposes very quickly. By repotting you also provide sufficient nutrients.

You can propagate many species of carnivores by dividing them. If you are repotting the plants anyway, it makes sense to take care of the propagation right away.

What diseases and pests can occur?

Diseases are not common. Mistakes in care are almost always responsible for the plants not thriving or even dying. This is especially true for waterlogging. Even if carnivores like it moist, the water must be able to drain away. In the event of waterlogging, roots and above-ground parts can rot.

When the catchers dry up or rot, it's often because the plants weren't fed properly. Also, the liquid contained in the traps must never be spilled.

Pests such as aphids and spider mites occasionally make an appearance. They should be collected as best as possible. Rinsing off the affected parts of the plant is usually not advisable. When keeping valuable species, you should use a special pesticide.

How are carnivorous plants properly overwintered?

Some sundew species are hardy. However, most species of carnivorous plants do not tolerate frost. They must be overwintered indoors. Only if you have a very well-protected place in the bog bed can you try to overwinter some carnivore species outside.

In winter, most carnivorous plants require lower temperatures and less moisture. It is often sufficient if you only provide the plants with a little moisture once a month. However, the substrate must never dry out completely.

tips

Most carnivores prefer bright, even sunny locations. Very few of the representative species tolerate draughts. The plants can spend the summer in a sheltered spot on the patio.

Category:

Vegetable garden