Carnivorous plants also use a sweet-smelling lure plants make for an interesting and to attract prey. They attract insects into their deep, slippery throats, where they will soon become unusual point of interest, engaging both young and old alike. When any of the hairs are touched three times in quick succession, the trap will close with alarming speed. These plants evolved in this way in order to thrive in waterlogged and nutrient deficient soils.
Fascinating plant, which will eat flies! Its leaves are red flushed or green in colour.
Grow to develop spiny traps at their tips which are designed to snap shut when an insect sits inside.
Carnivorous plants require bright light conditions and humidity. Temperatures between 21 C and 30 C are needed in summer. Keep in mind that carnivorous plants are generally tolerant of temperature, and it can be varied somewhat without harmful results. Never use normal potting mix. This needs to be a nutrient poor soil so it is best to use a mix of peat, bark and grit and perlite. As naturally they would be found growing in boggy, low-nutrient soils, these plants have developed specialised techniques of supplementing their nutritional requirements. Carnivorous plant should be watered from below during the growing season. Keep the soil wet or at least damp all of the time. The easiest way to do this is to stand the pot in a saucer that is filled with 1cm of rain water, never tap water (dislike the chlorine in water). When the plant is dormant, water only when the compost gets dry.