Carnivorous Plants Care Guide

Carnivorous Plant Bog Care Card (Hawaii Specific)

Plant Species:

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Sundews (Drosera spp.)

Butterworts (Pinguicula spp.)

 

Care Instructions:

1. Watering:

• Keep the cinder reservoir consistently filled with distilled water or rainwater. Avoid using tap water due to harmful minerals.

• Ensure the sphagnum peat moss layer stays moist but not waterlogged. The reservoir and rope system will help wick water up to the plants, maintaining the right moisture level without oversaturating the soil.

 

2. Lighting:

• The plants were grown in shade and need to be gradually introduced to brighter light. Start by placing them in partial shade and slowly move them to full sun over a few weeks.

 

3. Feeding:

• Carnivorous plants catch their own food, but if indoors, you can manually feed them small insects like flies or crickets.

No fertilizers are needed; feeding insects provides all their nutrients.

 

4. Temperature:

• Ideal temperature range: 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day, and 50-70°F (10-21°C) at night.

• In Hawaii, there’s no need to protect from cold or frost.

Temperate Dormancy (Venus Flytraps):

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) requires a dormancy period.

Signs of Dormancy: The plant’s growth will slow, and leaves will begin to wither.

• To simulate dormancy in Hawaii, place your Venus flytraps in the refrigerator for 3-4 months. Pack them in a zip-lock bag with moist sphagnum moss, and refrigerate them at 35-40°F (1-4°C).

 

5. Pests:

• Regularly check for aphids or spider mites. Treat them using a gentle pesticide or remove pests manually.

 

General Tips:

• Don’t let the bog dry out.

• Trim any dead leaves.

• Slowly transition the plants into brighter light to avoid sunburn.