How to grow Dionaea muscipulla (Venus Fly Trap) and Sarracenia (North American pitcher plants).

These interesting plants are becoming ever more popular, and with good reason: these easy-to-grow plants are most peculiar in that they catch insects in order to compensate for the lack of nutrients in their natural habitat. These plants can be grown outdoors all year round in the UK as long as they are properly cared for.

Water:

Use water that is low in dissolved nutrients. Most tap-water is toxic to these plants. Reverse-osmosis water is acceptable, as is distilled water (although it is quite expensive). Rainwater is the most ideal as it is natural, low in minerals, and free! Soil should be kept wet in the Summer and moist in the Winter.

Soil:

Naturally, these plants occur in peat bogs with are low in nutrients. Therefore, the soil-medium should be a moisture-retentive medium of sphagnum and/or peat. Horticultural sand can be added to the mix. Do not fertilise!

Temperature:

These plants come from the United States, so they typically experience mild to cold winters. Sarracenia flava, oreophila, alata and purpurea (sbsp. purpurea or 'Huntsman's Cap') can be grown around the UK without protection. Dionaea muscipulla (Venus Fly Trap) and other pitcher plants can be grown outside without protection in protected spots, such as near the south or west coast, but may benefit from minor protection in other areas (i.e. a cloche). These plants require a winter rest in order to grow well next year. (Do not be afraid if the pitchers/leaves turn brown and/or the plant looks dead. This is normal and it will likely recover next spring.)

Sunlight:

These plants require full sun during the growing season (spring and summer). This level of sunlight is not necessary during winter dormancy.

Just got a paphiopedilum.

Some of my pictures (response to my previous post):

My Plants (11/12/14)

List of my current plants:

• Nepenthes ventrata (x2)
• Nepenthes sanguinea 'black-jack' (x2)
• Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary' (ampullaria x ventricosa)
• Nepenthes hookeriana (x2)
• Phalaenopsis (x2)
• Rossioglossum grande
• Oncidium ornithorhynchum
• A few Schlumbergera