Growing Predatory Flora: A Guide to Carucivorous Plants
In the fascinating world of horticulture, carnivorous plants hold a unique place. These intriguing plants, numbering approximately 1000 species worldwide, thrive in extreme locations from bogs to deserts, and even the North Cape to the tropics.
Creating a suitable environment for these plants is essential. A bog garden or moisture pot is ideal for carnivorous plants, either as a bed lined with pond liner or a waterproof planting container. The bog garden must always be kept moist with lime-free water, and in winter, the ice pressure in the closed planting vessel must be taken into account, and the plants should be protected from drying out in the winter sun.
When it comes to choosing the right plants, common sundew and butterwort species are relatively uncomplicated and can forgive occasional care mistakes. However, some carnivorous plants require specific care, such as high humidity or observing the winter rest period. Specialist literature or experts should be consulted before creating a bog garden or pot.
Peat is essential in the substrate for carnivorous plants, despite attempts to avoid it in gardening. It's important to buy peat-free soil whenever possible, as the special habitats of carnivorous plants are under pressure worldwide, particularly peat bogs. Special carnivorous plant soil should be used when repotting plants.
Carnivorous plants can be found in many garden centers or hardware stores, with the largest selection in spring. However, some rare species may only be purchased on the internet or on rare markets. Make sure to buy from a trustworthy source, especially for online platforms.
Carnivorous plants do not need fertilizer and do not require being "fed" with insects. The roots of carnivorous plants are weakly developed and primarily used for digesting tiny animals. They derive most of their nutrients from the insects they trap, rather than from the soil.
Carnivorous plants can tolerate very acidic or contaminated soils with heavy metals or even radioactive substances. Hardy carnivorous plants suitable for the garden include sundew (Drosera), butterwort (Pinguicula), pitcher plant (Sarracenia), bladderwort (Utricularia - an aquatic plant), and the native Venus flytrap (Dionea), which can survive temperatures down to about minus eight degrees Celsius.
In conclusion, caring for carnivorous plants can be a rewarding and fascinating hobby. With the right care and environment, these unusual plants can thrive in your garden, adding a touch of the extraordinary to your green space.
