- Why you shouldn't fertilize carnivorous plants
- Replace substrate annually
- Do not overdo the feeding of carnivorous plants
Most houseplants need supplemental fertilizer to thrive. In the case of carnivorous plants (carnivores), however, fertilizing is not advisable. It is more likely to damage the plants and cause them to die. They provide themselves with nutrients.
Carnivorous plants should not be fertilized
Why you shouldn't fertilize carnivorous plants
In their original place in nature, carnivorous plants grow on soil that is very poor in nutrients. Therefore, they are equipped with trapping devices with which they can also catch and digest insects.
The substrate used when growing indoor carnivorous plants usually already contains too many nutrients. Therefore, fertilizing carnivores is not necessary even in winter, when there are few insects.
Occasionally it is recommended to give pitcher plants or venus fly traps highly diluted orchid fertilizer. However, this is superfluous.
Replace substrate annually
A mixture of peat, pebbles and other components is usually used as a substrate for carnivorous plants. The peat will decompose over time, so you should repot carnivorous plants every spring.
A larger pot is only necessary if the old planter has become too small for the root ball.
Carefully remove the carnivorous plant from the pot, shake off the old substrate as completely as possible and place the plant in fresh carnivorous soil.
Do not overdo the feeding of carnivorous plants
Even if it appeals to most hobby gardeners: You don't have to feed carnivorous plants. However, if you do want to experience the occasional carnivorous plant enclosing its prey, don't overdo it.
Only place a live specimen of insects and small animals in the traps, such as:
- mosquitoes
- small flies
- fruit flies
- ants
- little spiders
Make sure the prey is not too big. Do not feed too often and avoid touching the traps with your hands. With frequent and incorrect feeding of carnivores, the catching devices die. This can cause the plant to die.
tips
Above all, carnivorous plants need a lot of light and sufficient humidity. For many varieties, a place on a south or west window is enough. Other species need additional artificial lighting.