Carnivorous plants, as the name suggests, feed on live creatures (usually insects, bugs, and tiny animals) that they lure using their distinct anatomical features. Other plants get their daily fix of nutrients from the ground and depend on sunlight and water. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, requires flesh to supplement the measly concentration of minerals and nutrients of the environment they’re native too. So without further ado let get into the subject matter here is our list of fantastic carnivorous plants and where to find them.
Where to Find Carnivorous Plants?
There has always been a growing number of people getting into carnivorous plant collecting and growing. So because of that, they are easier to find these days. If you ever found yourself one day suddenly wanting to care for meat-eating plants and include them in your garden, you can purchase them from growers and hobbyists around your area. Easy as that. You may also check on this The Definitive Carnivorous Plant Shopping List for 2019 article we have written to get a better idea.
But to provide information on where these plant species thrive in the wild, we will go a step further and let you in on some fun facts about them.
Generally, carnivorous plants live in areas that have lesser plant inhabitants; they hate competing with other life forms, especially shrubs. For them to grow nicely, the soil must not be overly wet or too dry; a moist ground with a slightly higher acidity level and low nutrient concentration would be perfect for them.
You do not have to go to jungles or the amazon to find one. In certain areas, some species are so common that people consider them as weeds. We can also further divide them into two categories – terrestrial (thrives on land) and aquatic (thrives on water).
Terrestrial Carnivorous Plants
More carnivorous plants thrive on land than in water. The reason for this is soil makes it easier for the plant to propagate, and they have easier access to their usual preys as insects, and small animals are more plentiful. Here are our favorite terrestrial fantastic carnivorous plants and where to find them.
-Venus Flytrap
This plant is otherwise known as Dionaea Muscipula. Yes, you are familiar with Venus flytraps as they are the species commonly portrayed in movies, documentaries, and science textbooks. The hairs of Venus flytrap are sensitive. When it sensed that something touches it, the two lobes quickly traps inside whatever poor creature dared to step in. The Venus flytrap is common in North and South Carolina.
Plant Fact:
Sometimes, but rarely, when the plant realizes that the object is not a food, the lobes will open and spit whatever is inside.
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-Yellow Pitcher Plant
This plant is otherwise known as Dionaea Muscipula. Yes, you are familiar with Venus flytraps as they are the species commonly portrayed in movies, documentaries, and science textbooks. The hairs of Venus flytrap are sensitive. When it sensed that something touches it, the two lobes quickly traps inside whatever poor creature dared to step in. The Venus flytrap is common in North and South Carolina.
Plant Fact:
Sometimes, but rarely, when the plant realizes that the object is not a food, the lobes will open and spit whatever is inside.
-Cobra Lily
Darlingtonia Californica or Cobra lily got its name from its cobra-shaped pitcher opening. The plant grows in the land of Northern California and some parts of South Oregon. The next time you visit North California, and you find yourself wondering in some forested area, try to look around for this carnivorous plant. You’ll be amazed by its natural beauty.
Plant Fact:
The inward architecture of the Cobra Lily makes it easier for food to enter and difficult to find a way out.
-Cape Sundews
The scientific name of Cape Sundews is Drosera Capensis. There are around 130 species of Sundew, and this particular Sundew species is native to South Africa. Plant enthusiasts love these because they are easy to grow and usually on every beginner’s want list. Cape Sundews are like Venus flytrap, but slower and taller. You will know when Cape Sundews are eating their victim when its stem curls and binds the insect to devour it.
Plant Fact:
The color of the Cape Sundews depends on the amount of sunlight they get. The lesser sunlight, the greener it will appear. The more sunlight it receives, and it will produce vibrant red color.
Carnivorous plants, as the name suggests, feed on live creatures (usually insects, bugs, and tiny animals) that they lure using their distinct anatomical features. Other plants get their daily fix of nutrients from the ground and depend on sunlight and water. Carnivorous plants, on the other hand, requires flesh to supplement the measly concentration of minerals and nutrients of the environment they’re native too. So without further ado let get into the subject matter here is our list of fantastic carnivorous plants and where to find them.
-Australian Pitcher Plants
Cephalotus follicularis exists mostly in Australia and its surrounding region. It is native to a small coastal strip of Southern Australia. The average height of this Australian cup-like plants is 8 inches. The plant has a “yawning” movement that attracts plant collectors and makes them a popular addition to the garden.
Plant Fact:
Even though it is a carnivorous plant, some insects (especially spiders that know how to hide under its lid) usually make some parts of the plant their home. Because of the decaying scent of other insects inside the pitcher, frogs often hide inside and snatch some freshly caught ones.
Aquatic Carnivorous Plants
Aquatic carnivorous plants are rare. Life in the water is much harder than on land. There are threats like erratic weather conditions, uncontrollable water acidity level, and human intervention. The plants listed below are astounding as they prove that life can blossom anywhere. Here are our favorite aquatic fantastic carnivorous plants and where to find them
-Bladderwort
Bladderwort, aka Utricularia, can be found anywhere in the world as it is considered a global genus. You can find it in slow-moving and acidic waters like a swamp. Aptly named because of its anatomy – it has a flower that protrudes above the water and a “bladder” structure submerged underwater that does the catching of prey.
Plant Fact:
We often cultivate Bladderworts for traditional medicine; they are used as herb and spice, and for ornamental purpose because of its beautiful flower.
-Waterwheel Plant
This plant grows in an extensive geographical range. However, it is becoming further unlikely to find across Asia, Australia, and Europe. In 2015, a piece of alarming news about the Waterwheel plant arose. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature included it among endangered carnivorous species. Waterwheel plants, also known as Aldrovanda Vesiculosa, are very fragile to pollution and climate change.
Plant Fact:
The Waterwheel plant has a fantastic reflex. When it sensed that there is a catch, it snaps very quickly about 1/4 to 1/2 second, making it the fastest-moving plant. It’s anatomy also closely resemble a Venus flytrap.
