Types of Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants can be an interesting addition to any home or backyard garden. Instead of surviving only on water absorbed through their roots, these plants trap and eat insects to get their essential nutrients. They require more maintenance than many common houseplants and are not recommended for novice gardeners. Carnivorous plants need high humidity and continually damp soil. Here are three of the most popular carnivorous plants for home gardens.

Carnivorous plants: Venus Flytrap

The Venus Flytrap is the most well-known carnivorous plant. Their leaves have spiny edges and are hinged in the middle. They attract insects that land on the leaves and are trapped inside when the Venus Flytrap closes up. The trapped insect is then digested while it is stuck inside the plant. These carnivorous plants prefer bright sun and a bit of humidity. They must be fed a steady diet of insects in order to thrive. Crickets, spiders, and flies are best and can usually be purchased at pet stores. Ants may damage the leaves and should not be used as food for your Venus Flytrap. The best type of potting soil for a Venus Flytrap is a combination of sand and peat moss. The porous peat moss helps keep the soil moist while preventing water from building up and oversaturating the roots.

Carnivorous plants: Sundew

Sundew carnivorous plants have sticky red hairs on their leaves. Insects become trapped in the hairs and cannot get away. As they struggle, the Sundew excretes digestive fluids and eats the insect. Like the other carnivorous plants, Sundews need a lot of humidity and moisture. Be sure the soil has adequate drainage to avoid root rot and mildew. A mixture of peat moss and sand works well as a potting soil for Sundews. Only distilled water or rainwater should be used to water carnivorous plants. They require bright sunlight or the intense artificial light of a terrarium.

Carnivorous plants: Pitcher Plant

The Pitcher Plant is available in two different types, either lidded or hooded. The hooded version of this carnivorous plant is also called the Cobra Plant because of its resemblance to a snake. The leaves are shaped like pitchers and filled part way with water. The flower-like tops of the pitchers attract insects. When the insect lands, it falls in the water and the Pitcher Plant digests it. They require damp soil and a good amount of humidity, but do not need bright sunlight. These carnivorous plants can be grown in a terrarium if it is kept moist.