Page 13 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 1_2023

Travel
Nature

Nepanthes Sarracenia

Can I feed my plant with insects? ‘pitfall’ (used by tropical pitchers), infestations of aphids, thrips or spider
‘lobster pot’ (used by parrot pitchers), mites, so be on the lookout. Quickly
Your plant pets will certainly love the and ‘pigeon’ traps (used by aquatic separate infected plants from the rest
extra treats, however it is not actually and semi-aquatic varieties). of the pack until treatment begins
necessary as they are rather skilled working.
in attracting prey themselves. Insects What happens to carnivores in winter?
serve as a potent fertiliser and provide Can I grow carnivorous plants in my
plants with the protein, nitrogen, Most predator plants go dormant region?
potassium and other important in winter or experience periods of
minerals they need to maintain good reduced growth, which corresponds Found in every continent except
Trumpet pitcher growth and reproduction. That being to periods of fewer insects and Antarctica – the answer is yes! South
said, insect catching can be a fun extreme temperatures. Inexperienced Africa is actually an ideal environment
activity for kids. If you do catch an gardeners may think their plant has for these exotic treasures and an
insect, make sure it is still alive and died when fortunately, it is merely important biodiversity centre for
wiggling. Movements from prey signal resting after a very busy summer. carnivorous plants of the sundew
the digestive process and in the case Continue to care for your plants during variety. The most important factor is
of the Venus Flytrap, signals the dormancy by protecting them from understanding the particular plant’s
sensitive trichomes that in turn cause the cold, frost, hail and other extreme needs and researching your species
the ‘jaws’ to shut. conditions. Bring them indoors at night well. Remember that you will need
and let them bask in the sunshine to be aware of the changing external
Top tip: Do not feed meat or cheese during the day. Winter is also a good conditions (heat waves, frost, hail,
to your plants and take note that time for pruning, which will promote snow) and act accordingly to best
overfeeding can cause damage to the new growth during spring. support your plant pet.
plant’s overall well-being. Stick to live
bugs only! Can I use chemical fertilisers and The extraordinary world of predator
pesticides? plants is just waiting to be explored.
The two types of trapping are grouped Start a bog bed and embark on years
as either active or passive. An active Never use chemical pesticides or of adventure with even a single plant.
trap involves some movement to fertilisers as this will kill carnivorous This species is often considered more
catch prey, like the Venus Flytrap and plants quickly. Seek advice from pet than just plant, so if you’re serious
waterwheel plant that snap shut. A experts via the Life is Garden website about becoming a predator plant
passive trap does not involve any directory for correct information parent or teaching your kids about
movement and instead relies on a on how to treat plants with organic the responsibility of Mother Nature,
poisonous or sticky substance. These fertilisers and pesticides. Sometimes carnivorous plants may be just the
passive traps are further grouped as new growth can be affected by thing for you.

Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike
Sundew Tropical pitcher Venus Flytrap

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