Page 22 - Irene Farm Villagers Issue 2_2023

Trumpet pitcher

Nepenthes, a tropical pitcher plant, also known as the monkey cup plant
tropical pitcher

Sarracenia, commonly known as pitcher plants or Sundew with bugs Sundew
trumpet pitchers

How much sun does my plant plants. You can recreate their natural necessary as they are rather skilled in
need? environment at home by simply standing attracting prey themselves. Insects serve
In general, carnivorous plants need the plants in a shallow tray and watering as a potent fertiliser and provide plants
plenty of sun as they are not good at from the bottom. The tropical pitcher with the protein, nitrogen, potassium
photosynthesising (tropical pitcher plant, however, is the exception, as it and other important minerals they
plants, however, need dappled shade). is found in rainforests and needs to be need to maintain good growth and
The most common cause of plants watered from the top. reproduction. That being said, insect
not thriving is insufficient or incorrect catching can be a fun activity for kids.
sunlight. Can I repot my predators in If you do catch an insect, make sure it is
ordinary soil? still alive and wiggling. Movements from
Can I use any water? Normal garden soil, potting soil, and prey signal the digestive process and in
Predator plants require water that is compost are too rich for carnivorous the case of the Venus flytrap, signals the
nutrient, mineral and chlorine free. plants and will kill them quickly. Plants sensitive trichomes that in turn cause
Rainwater, distilled water, or reverse require an acidic, nutrient-deficient the ‘jaws’ to shut.
osmosis water are perfect for carnivores. potting medium as they get most of
Borehole water can also work but this their sustenance from the insects they Top tip: Do not feed meat or cheese
depends on the quality of your particular catch and not through their root system to your plants and take note that
water source. Mineral water is not suitable via the soil. Use a blend of sphagnum overfeeding can cause damage to the
because it contains, well, minerals - and peat and perlite when repotting. plant’s overall well-being. Stick to live
our carnivores like it rough! bugs only!
Can I feed my plant with insects? The two types of trapping are grouped
How do I water carnivorous plants? Your plant pets will certainly love the as either active or passive. An active trap
Remember that most varieties are bog extra treats, however it is not actually involves some movement to catch prey,

20 • Issue 2 2023 • The Villager