Mineral deficient soils
Usually these soils are wet or damp. Some plants, such as the insect eating Utricularia, live free floating in lagoons or ponds. If the water is deficient in minerals, not only does this plant survive through photosynthesis, but also boosts its food supplies by growing bladders with sticky tendrils that trap and devour small water borne animals such as mosquito wrigglers. One newly discovered Australian species has bladders nearly a half an inch in diameter, easily big enough to swallow a small fish! Most carnivorous plants grow in the Americas, or in South Africa. Many are becoming rare because of land use changes, and consequent loss of habitat. They are bizarre and beautiful, and collectors have organised clubs and material swapping forums, so that now carnivorous plants are grown in almost every country in the World.
Some species are not so much difficult to grow, as requiring careful and regular attention. Some species like cold winters, others do not. There are many species grown around the World, and all have different growing requirements. Having said all that, please do not be discouraged. Most species are easy to grow, and will provide much enjoyment. They can be grown outdoors, or in tanks, terrariums, greenhouses, hothouses, on windowsills, and in garden ponds or bog gardens. Many plants purchased from nurseries are lost due to neglect or inadequate growing information. They are not difficult to grow, but some primary needs must be met. Inadequate water requirement is the most critical failure component.
Spagnum peat moss is an essential part of the growing mix. Spagnum moss is very acidic, just as the natural growing area is, and holds ten times it’s own weight of water. Usual soil mix is one part spagnum to one part sand, although some experts advocate the use of some perlite as well. The best way to solve the water supply problem is to grow the plants in pots, and sit the pots in a bowl of water. Be careful about using treated water, if your water has a strong mineral or chemical content, it may kill your plants. You may have to use bottled water. While some plants like to grow in water, some only like very wet soil, and will not do so well immersed in water all the time. Be guided by your nursery supplier. If you fertilise them use a very weak foliar fertiliser, as a spray. If you are feeding your pitcher plants you do not need to use fertiliser at all.
Many of them also have a period of dormancy, usually through the winter, and you should not get too worried if this happens. Dormancy is a natural process, and you should not force your plants to grow during this period. Feeding your carnivorous plants should not be a problem. If they are growing outside, they will attract ants and other insects. If growing inside, you may have to provide ants or other bugs. It’s also possible to buy insects such as mealworms from pet shops, and they are suitable for feeding pitcher plants. If growing Utricularia or other carnivorous water plants inside, you may need to add a cup full or two of pond water to the tank or bowl, to provide fresh water borne insects.
Aphids, scale and slugs and snails, and mites can damage plants and usual pest control measures may need to be applied. Be very cautious about using chemical pesticides. Please don’t be nervous about trying to grow carnivorous plants, they won’t (or haven’t so far!) eaten anything except insects, and are a fascinating and rewarding species to cultivate. Happy carnivorous gardening, Patrick ps... Dont forget, if you plant a green tree in your heart, a singing bird may come!
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