Page 12 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1_2023

Nature

CARING FOR

PREDITOR

PLANTS

TEXT AND PHOTOS SUPPLIED
BY LIFE IS A GARDEN

Trumpet pitcher
rguably one of the most charismatic collectables,
carnivorous or preditor plants are a true spectacle in the
Agarden. The Carnivore Queen from Jozi Carnivores gave
the following advice on how to care for these exotic species.
How much sun does my plant need?

In general, carnivorous plants need plenty of sun as they are not
good at photosynthesising (tropical pitcher plants, however, need
dappled shade). The most common cause of plants not thriving
is insufficient or incorrect sunlight.
Can I use any water?

Predator plants require water that is nutrient, mineral and
chlorine free. Rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water
are perfect for carnivores. Borehole water can also work but this
depends on the quality of your particular water source. Mineral
water is not suitable because it contains, well, minerals - and our
carnivores like it rough!

How do I water carnivorous plants?
Remember that most varieties are bog plants. You can recreate
their natural environment at home by simply standing the
plants in a shallow tray and watering from the bottom. The
tropical pitcher plant, however, is the exception, as it is found in
rainforests and needs to be watered from the top.
Can I repot my predators in ordinary soil?

Normal garden soil, potting soil, and compost are too rich for
carnivorous plants and will kill them quickly. Plants require an
acidic, nutrient-deficient potting medium as they get most of
their sustenance from the insects they catch and not through
their root system via the soil. Use a blend of sphagnum peat and
perlite when repotting.
Dragonfly caught on Sundew

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