Meet the Carnivores
© Norine Woods
Please don't mind Seymore. He's just a left-over from Hallowe'en. He's in costume, you see, trying to imitate the real thing, the Cobra Lily, and this is a serious article about growing these unusual plants.
If carnivorous plants are to your liking, check out more of them at California Carnivores where you can purchase this little beauty.
There are over 500 named varieties of carnivorous plants. In fact, the Carnivorus Plant Database has over 3000 entries. If you'd like to see a very large example of a carnivorous plant, check out the Chernobyl Giant.
The most popular carnivorous plant, however, is the Venus Flytrap. These little plants are sold in many places, from novelty shops to grocery stores to nurseries. If you want a better chance of success, always purchase your carnivores (and, incidentally, any other houseplants) from a reputable nursery or plant store. Check out some of the ones listed in the Carnivorous Plant FAQ. And thanks to Barry Meyers-Rice for his excellent Flytrap picture.
Venus flytraps aren't all that simple to grow, so starting off with a weak or unhealthy plant is like starting out with one foot in the Flytrap graveyard. Also. always seek advice from a source that is reliable, like the FAQ mentioned above. Your Venus Flytrap needs different care than many of your plants. Unless you live in a very warm, humid climate, grow this little carnivore in a terrarium. Don't ever let it dry out. Another warning, however. Over-watering will cause mold and rot, so be very careful with that watering can.
No matter what anyone tells you, never feed your plant hamburger or any other meat. It's an insectivore, and preferably small insects that will fit easily into its hungry little mouth. Avoid big moths and hard-shelled ants. When it flowers, remember that flowering serves no purpose and will only suck away your plant's vitality. Pluck the flower stems off as soon as they appear. Keep your Flytrap healthy and happy and it will grow into a large, attractive conversation piece.
Of course, the Venus flytrap isn't the only carnivorous plant available. Don't forget little Seymore's friend, the Cobra Lily. Just as there are dozens of varieties of houseplants all requiring different growing conditions, so do different varieties of carnivorous plants require different types of care. You wouldn't dream of raising an African violet and a cactus the same way. The Cobra lily, for instance, likes cool conditions and a long cold hibernation period.
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