A quick guide to some of the most interesting houseplants on earth!
Some houseplants live in areas where it is impossible for their roots to absorb the nutrients they need to survive, so they evolved in an unusual way - they "eat" insects. There are three different plants in this carnivorous family: the Venus Flytrap, the Pitcher Plant, and the Sundew. None are easy care houseplants, but they are worth the effort even for the short time they may live. These plants need high humidity, constantly moist soil, and prefer to be watered with rainwater - the chemicals in tap water can hurt them. Most go dormant in the winter months. Here is a more in-depth look at these three unusual houseplants:
Venus Flytrap- these plants have hinged leaves with spiny edges. When an insect lands on one of them, it snaps shut, trapping it inside and digesting it. They need sunny, humid conditions in order to thrive. They also need to be fed bugs. Flies, crickets and spiders will all do fine - and despite popular belief, absolutely do not feed them hamburger. Hamburger takes too much energy for the plant to digest and will often kill it. Avoid ants as well as they tend to damage the leaves. Plant in a mix of half sand and half peat moss. Never use potting soil. Keep moist at all times (use either rainwater or distilled water) and provide a constant level of high humidity.
Pitcher Plant: Pitcher Plants come in two varieties: hooded and lidded. The hooded type's resemblance to a snake gives it its nickname "Cobra Plant". Both display leaf "pitchers" that are partially filled with water. The open tops of the pitchers mimic the colors of flowers to lure insects. Once they land, they quickly fall to their doom and are digested. Like the Venus Flytrap, Pitcher plants require high humidity and moist soil, but they don't need lots of bright light. A terrarium is ideal, and again, use only rainwater or distilled water when watering. Plant in a mix of orchid bark, charcoal, and Sphagnum moss. A mix of peat moss and sand can be substituted for the Sphagnum.
Sundew: These plants bear a rosette of leaves covered in sticky red hairs. These hairs trap and digest insects. Like the others, they need constantly moist soil and high humidity. They also need lots of bright light. Plant in a mixture of peat moss and sand and use only distilled or rainwater for watering. A terrarium is ideal.
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