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Watch Out for Flesh Eating Plants!

© Diana Pederson

During the time of early exploration, rumors abounded about the man-eating plants found in various exotic places. Although most of these rumors have long been put to rest, there are some fascinating insect eating plants that children and adults alike find interesting. I've read several books on carnivorous plants. None of them provided me with enough information to grow any of these exciting plants successfully for any length of time. I decided my growing conditions just weren't right for them and decided not to spend any more money on them.

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading The Savage Garden by Peter D'Amato. This book, published by Ten Speed Press in 1998, provided me with detailed enough instructions that I am once again trying my hand at growing carnivorous plants. Peter D'Amato is the owner of California Carnivores which is the world's largest collection of carnivorous plants. The book was written based on his 30 years of experience in growing, propagating and selling these plants. It earned the American Horticulture Society's Book Award.

The Savage Garden is divided into three parts. The first, deals with the basics of cultivation. It covers soil types, watering, use of natural versus artificial light, feeding and fertilizing the plants, pests and diseases, and dormancy requirements. The section on using water trays was particularly valuable for me. I never knew that these plants should be standing in water at all times and had made the common beginner's mistake of trying to grow them like any other houseplant--complete with wet and drying out cycles.

D'Amato discusses where to grow carnivorous plants in Part II. Several growing locations are presented. Providing heating, shading, use of fans, and coolers in a greenhouse is briefly discussed. Different types of greenhouses are also described. He also talks about the importance of growing these plants close to the window if window sills are used. His discussion of using terrariums or fish tanks was comprehensive enough that this is the method I am currently adopting. D'Amato also discusses growing carnivorous plants outside by creating artificial bogs.

Part III has chapters discussing the following genuses: Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), American Pitcher plants (Sarracenia), Cobra plant (Darlingtonia californica), Sun pitchers (Heliamphora), Sundews (Drosera), West Australian Pitcher plants (Cephalotus follicularis), Dewy Pines (Drosophyllum lusitanicum), Rainbow plants (Byblis), Butterworts (Pinguicula), and Tropical Pitcher plants (Nepenthes). The last chapter in this section discusses an odd assortment of carnivorous plant families only having one or two representatives. Detailed cultivation tips are provided for each genus and for each species within the genus.

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