- In the wild, carnivorous plants grow larger
- Large carnivorous plants for growing indoors
- Caring for pitcher plants (Nepenthes) properly
Most species of carnivorous plants remain small, especially when cultivated indoors. However, there are also a few strains that can reach substantial proportions. Nevertheless, nobody has to be afraid of the interesting carnivores.
The pitcher plant can form impressively large pitchers
In the wild, carnivorous plants grow larger
Carnivorous plants that can grow particularly large when grown in a favorable location include:
- "Heliamphora tatei" - swamp pitcher
- “Nepenthes” - pitcher plants
- "Sarracenia flava" - pitcher plant
- "Drosera regia" - sundew
The swamp pitcher, which is at home in the rainforest, can grow to four meters. Pitcher plants are creepers that climb up to ten meters high around the trees. They sometimes form jugs with a capacity of three liters.
The pitcher plant can grow up to a meter high. The largest sundew species stays low, but produces leaves up to 40 centimeters long.
Large carnivorous plants for growing indoors
Carnivores usually don't grow that tall indoors. They need a location that is very bright and warm. In addition, the humidity must be at least 50 percent. In our latitudes, this can only be achieved in terrariums, under glass or in special plant locations.
The pitcher plant is the most suitable large carnivorous plant for growing indoors. A prerequisite for strong growth is that it has enough space to spread and the location is ideal. Then, with a bit of luck, she develops pitchers that grow up to 15 centimeters high.
Caring for pitcher plants (Nepenthes) properly
In order for a pitcher plant to develop pitchers that are as large as possible, various conditions must be met:
- bright location
- Temperatures not only 25 degrees
- Humidity over 60 percent
- do not fertilize
- avoid feeding if possible
- repot in spring
- keep it slightly cooler in winter
To increase humidity, bowls of water can be placed. Regular spraying with water also helps.
Like all carnivorous plants, pitcher plants should never be watered with hard water.
tips
Even though the snares of some carnivorous plants can grow impressively large, the gardener need not fear. Indoor carnivores only target small prey such as insects.