How to Plant Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants have adapted ways to trap prey and then convert that prey to nutrients. According to the International Carnivorous Plant Society, there are hundreds of varieties and a number of quasi-carnivorous species. They require high humidity and lots of light, but they don't tolerate high temperatures. The plants have fragile root systems that should be treated gently. Growing them in a controlled environment like a terrarium is the best way for beginning gardeners to assure success.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Terrarium or large jar
• Sphagnum moss
• Builder's sand

1. 

   Select a container for your terrarium. There are commercially available terrariums that are similar to an aquarium. Look for them at pet stores. You can also use something as simple as a gallon jar with a wide opening.

2. 

   Mix sphagnum moss and coarse sand in about a 75 percent to 25percent ratio. Arrange it on the bottom of the terrarium and wet it thoroughly with distilled water. Don't water it to the point that there's standing water in the bottom of the terrarium.

3. Cover the moss/sand mixture with a fresh layer of sphagnum moss. Add small sticks or colorful pebbles to mimic a natural setting if desired.

4. Pull apart a section of the moss for planting. Gently set the carnivorous plant in the section and arrange the moss around the base of the plant.

5. Set the terrarium near a south-facing window, or use fluorescent bulbs to supply lighting. Set the plant back from the window if there's a risk that the spot will get too warm. The temperature should be between 60 and 90 degrees F.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the soil moist, not wet. Mist the plant with distilled water or rainwater.
• Never fertilize carnivorous plants. The root systems are too fragile. Don't completely seal the terrarium. The plants need air circulation. Do not feed the plant meat. They eat insects. Don't use sandbox sand or sand from the beach. These types of sand contain minerals that are dangerous for the plant.

References

• International Carnivorous Plant Society

Resources

• Month-by-Month Carnivorous Plant Care
• Carnivorous Plants Blog
• Care for Different Varieties of Carnivorous Plants