General Care For Carnivorous Plants
Media
They need an acidic, nutrient free compost and are traditionally grown in a
peat-based soil. There are numerous growing media's and I like to use 2
parts sphagnum moss peat to 1 part perlite & 1 part sand. Almost any
Combination of Sphagnum moss, sand & perlite can be used providing the
sphagnum moss makes up the bulk of the mix . There are suitable Alternatives
to peat, for example ‘Moorland Gold’. Some growers use pure Sphagnum moss,
or milled Sphagnum, which can be obtained from sustainable sources.
Watering
Pure water is essential. Carnivorous plants are very intolerant of hard water,
and will not appreciate tap water due to the chlorine content. Rainwater is
best, and the plants should stand in a saucer or tray filled with 1 - 2 inches
of rainwater all through the summer months. Reverse osmosis or distilled water
Is also an excellent alternative to rainwater.
In winter, the compost should be kept moist and never be allowed to dry out.
Where To Grow Them
The majority of carnivorous plants need very sunny conditions and are best
grown in a sunny greenhouse or if not an option, a south facing window cill.
Although many species are hardy, the majority will benefit from a frost-free
greenhouse over winter, between 40°F and 50°F. Many have a winter resting
period when they prefer cooler conditions and without it will they struggle
to grow the following year.
Propagation
Carnivorous plants can be grown from seed, cuttings (via the roots, leaves &
stems) and also by division. Seed is usually very easy to germinate and grow
however depending on the species you may be in for a long wait for them to
reach maturity. Sarracenia for example can take up to 8 years to reach maturity,
while on the other hand some drosera species reach flowering size within a year.
Pests & Diseases
Like with any plant, carnivorous plants can suffer from pests and diseases.
Check for pests regularly, some are obvious, for example aphids & scale. Others
May not be so obvious as they live under the soil, look out for any signs of your
Plant wilting (possible root problem) or making distorted pitchers / leaves
(possible aphid attack). I would suggest if you are worried get in touch with one
of the many forums on the Internet
Dormancy
With the onset of the winter months, carnivorous plants will slow down their
rate of growth considerably. Some produce winter leaves, some Sarracenia for
example grow phyllodia which are non carnivorous leaves, while others stop
growing altogether . Most species that require a dormant period will be able to
cope with temperatures down to 0°C (32°F) easily, but will appreciate a frost
free environment. During dormancy make sure you keep you're watering to a
minimum to prevent the plant from rotting.