DIY Network

Carnivorous Plants Carnivorous Plants From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-403

Q: I want to get a carnivorous plant. Is this type of plant difficult to care for?

A: (from Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY Gardening specialist) Carnivorous plants  -- those that eat insects -- encompass a number of varieties and are relatively easy to care for if you know follow these basic guidelines:

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• Carnivorous plants do best in plastic or glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes in the bottom. Avoid terra-cotta pots; evaporation rates can be too high, and the clay may absorb harmful mineral salts from the soil.

• Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged, all year-round. Simply place pots (with drainage holes) in a tray or saucer with about one inch of water at all times. You may notice algae or moss growing on the soil surface. That's okay.

• Carnivorous plants enjoy full to part sun, although plants should not be in direct sun for more than an hour a day. Fluorescent grow lights or halide and sodium incandescent bulbs also work well.

• Generally carnivorous plants enjoy warm temperatures, which is why they are well -suited for terrariums with bog-like conditions. Keep plants cooler in winter, when they're dormant.

• Feed carnivorous plants live or freshly killed houseflies, large ants, spiders, sow bugs or pill bugs. Moistened dried insects are also acceptable.

• Usually plants will thrive without fertilizer and in fact do better without it, although a light misting of an acid fertilizer is sometimes needed.

• As with most houseplants, carnivorous plants can become infested with aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites. The usual commercial treatments should help bring these under control.

RESOURCES :
Patterns for Terrariums and Planters: Design for 30 Complete Projects
Model: 0919985025
Author: Randy A. Wardell