Growing carnivorous plants is an interesting hobby that is attracting more and more gardening enthusiasts. There are numerous species that need very different conditions to thrive. The safety devices are also very different. A personal description.

There are over 700 species of carnivorous plants

Carnivorous plants - a profile

  • Botanical name: depending on the species
  • Species: over 700 species
  • Genera: 19 known so far
  • Occurrence: on all continents
  • Safety gears: different depending on the type
  • Sites: damp, boggy, occasionally in water
  • perennial: yes
  • hardy: native species yes, other species no
  • Flower: different flower shapes
  • Propagation: seeds, parts, cuttings
  • Use: houseplant, ericaceous plant

Known species of carnivorous species

  • Butterwort (Pinguicula)
  • Sundew (Drosera)
  • Pitcher plants (Sarracenia)
  • Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
  • Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)

Except for the Venus flytrap, all carnivores are represented in different species. The Venus Flytrap is a monotypic species that has no subspecies.

Where are carnivorous plants found?

Carnivorous plants are found all over the world. Some grow quite frequently, others like the Venus Flytrap or the Dwarf Pitcher are only found in certain, very limited regions.

Five species are native to Germany:

  • water hose (Utricularia)
  • Butterwort (Pinguicula)
  • Sundew (Drosera)
  • Waterfalls (Aldrovanda)
  • pitcher plant (Sarracenia)

Carnivorous plants found in Germany are hardy and can be cared for outdoors. Almost all other species come from rainforests, tropical and subtropical regions. They are cultivated exclusively in the room.

Do carnivores actually eat meat?

Carnivorous plants grow primarily in locations that offer hardly any nutrients. The plants have therefore developed trapping devices with which they can catch insects and small spiders. These are then broken down and the nutrients released.

The safety devices can look very different. In sundew and butterwort, they consist of leaves coated with a sticky liquid. Insects stick to it and are then decomposed.

The Venus Flytrap features a snap trap that encloses the animal. Pitcher plants form pitchers filled with secretion. Flies and other insects fall in and are digested. In pitcher plants, the leaves form funnels that attract and trap insects.

tips

Even though carnivores consume fruit flies, mosquitoes, ants, spiders, flies and wasps, they are only of limited use in controlling insects.

Category:

Vegetable garden