- Leaves form into a calyx
- Catch bugs with the cup
- Proper care for the formation of many calyces
- Do not overwinter pitcher plants in a cool place
Carnivorous plants develop very different methods to catch and digest their prey, the insects. In addition to sticky leaves and snap traps, some species form calyxes into which the prey falls and is then digested.
The pitcher plant catches its prey in calyxes
Leaves form into a calyx
Some carnivorous plants use their leaves to catch insects. The long catching leaves twist together so that they form a calyx. Other species catch prey in sac-like traps that look like pitchers. It is not for nothing that these species are called pitcher plants.
Catch bugs with the cup
The calyx of a carnivorous plant is generally broader at the top and either tapers to a point or forms a pouch or pitcher below the rim. The calyxes often have a pretty, reddish tinge. They emit a smell that is sometimes aromatic, but sometimes unpleasant, which attracts insects.
The upper edge of the calyx is mirror-smooth so that no insect can stand on it. It just slides into the trap.
At the bottom of the calyx is a secretion containing several enzymes that can be used to break down and digest the prey. If the secretion is not present, the plant cannot digest prey. The catch trap then dries up and falls off.
Proper care for the formation of many calyces
In order for a carnivorous plant to produce many calyxes for catching insects, the carnivore must have a suitable location and be well cared for.
Carnivorous plants prefer:
- A bright location with lots of sun
- high humidity of more than 40 percent
- Temperatures in summer between 20 and 32 degrees
- Winter temperatures from 10 to 16 degrees
Carnivorous plants do not tolerate it when the plant substrate dries out. Calcareous water does not agree with them either, so only rainwater or still mineral water may be used for watering.
Do not overwinter pitcher plants in a cool place
Pitcher plants can be overwintered at constant temperatures. Only smaller cups form during the winter than in the summer.
tips
The size of the prey a carnivorous plant can capture in its calyx depends on the diameter of the calyx. Wasps also fit into large openings.