Carnivorous plants are often grouped together because they share the trait of carnivory. However, this is not a single plant category where most species share the same growing conditions. Carnivorous plants come from many different genera around the world, each with its own growth habits and care requirements. Below, we introduce the genera available in our online shop and explain their growing conditions and key differences to help you decide which plants are best suited to you.
Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) is arguably the most well-known carnivorous plant. When its traps snap shut, it creates a striking illusion of active hunting, which has made it especially popular among growers and kids. In the wild, Venus flytraps are native to a small region of temperate wetlands in North Carolina and South Carolina, North America, where they grow in wet bogs and experience distinct summer and winter seasons. In winter, they enter a natural dormancy period, which is often when new growers mistakenly think the plant is dying. However, this dormancy is essential for long-term health. During this time, simply keep the media moist and they will come back when springs arrives.
Sarracenia (trumpet pitcher plants) are striking North American carnivorous plants known for their tall, tubular pitchers. They are a great companion to Venus flytraps, as both originate from similar regions in North America and thrive in comparable growing conditions. In the wild, they are found in nearby bog habitats, which is why they are often grown together to create a natural-style carnivorous bog display.Sarracenia can generally be grown in the same conditions as Venus flytraps. Winter dormancy is also required.
Nepenthes (tropical pitcher plants) are also known as pitcher plants, but they are completely different from the trumpet pitcher plants (Sarracenia) found in North America. Nepenthes are native mainly to Southeast Asia, with some species also found in Madagascar, northern Australia, and surrounding islands in the Indian Ocean. Unlike Sarracenia, Nepenthes grow in warm, humid tropical environments year-round and do not require a dormancy period. Most also prefer not to sit in a tray of water like bog plants.
Drosera (Sundews) come from a wide range of habitats around the world, with some species native to tropical regions and others to temperate climates. In cultivation, most sundews grow well in standard carnivorous plant media such as peat, sand, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The unlabelled varieties from us have been grown under the same conditions as our Sarracenia and Venus flytraps. Whether a dormancy period is required depends on the specific species or variety you are growing.
Heliamphora (Sun Pitchers) Despite their somewhat similar appearance to Sarracenia, Heliamphora are quite different in both origin and care. They are native to the highland Tepui regions of South America, where conditions are cool, bright, and humid year-round. Their preferred growing conditions are similar to those of highland Nepenthes, making Heliamphora an excellent companion plant for highland Nepenthes setups. The hardier varieties we offer, such as Heliamphora minor and Heliamphora heterodoxa × minor, will grow well across a wider range of conditions.