Is It Possible to Grow Carnivorous Plants in Temperate Climate
Several species of carnivorous plants can grow in a temperate climate. Examples of carnivorous plants found in temperate zones are – certain species of Pitcher, Butterwort, Sundew, Bladderwort and Venus Flytrap plants.
Sundew and Pitcher are indigenous to the temperate climate and grow well without any problem. These two species require a low PH level environment that is somewhat acidic. They also need lots of humidity and moisture. Most species of these plants can grow in a regular garden. Where this is not possible, one can modify a wetland environment.
Most people prefer to grow them in houses or greenhouses. One usual thing about these plants is that they thrive well in a wetland setting that is nutrient deficient, precisely one that is less in nitrogen levels.
They survive by trapping insects such as arthropods, invertebrates, and small amphibians. It serves as a proper compensation of nitrogen for them.
A Simple Guide Growing On Carnivorous Plants In Temperate Climate
It’s fun to know how to grow these beautiful plants in your garden and home. These unusual plants usually make a meal out of the insects that could have turned out to be a nuisance in the garden.
As an added bonus, the number of insects buzzing around the garden and house will be reduced. Here are a few examples, let’s look at how to grow these plants at home.
Venus Flytrap
- Plant it in a medium size pot and then place it where there is full sunlight.
- Plant with 3 parts of peat moss mixed with 1 part of river sand (coarse).
- Mulching can be done with Sphagnum moss. The advantage of using moss is that it turns brown when water is lacking. The brown color is an indication of water requirements.
- You should water the plant regularly. Use distilled water.
Pitcher plant
- You should place the plant in a pot. The water level should be at the rim level.
- After that, you must place it where there is full sunlight
- Also, protect them against frost.
- Use a mixture of peat moss and river sand in a ratio of 3:1 for planting.
- Mulching can be done with Sphagnum moss.
- Watering during summer should be done regularly. Use distilled water
- During winter, they enter dormancy. Thus, remove the tray and start watering at least once per week.
Sundew Plant
- When planting, use a pot and make sure you raise them.
- Keep them in a place where there is bright, filtered, and good sunlight.
- Plant with peat moss mixed with river sand (coarse). The ratio of 3:1.
- You can do Mulching with a damp material, preferably sphagnum moss.
- Watering is done by placing the pot on a tray full of water
- During winter, the plate should be removed and watering done just once per week.
Here Are Some Trusted Amazon Sellers Of These Plants That I Have Used Before
Do Temperate Plants NEED to Undergo Dormancy
These carnivorous plants survive well in relatively warm summers and cold winters. That’s when they exhibit their maximum growth. During the winter season, they undergo dormancy, during this time most of their leafage dies off. During this time, growth is slow to none at all. When spring approaches, the development process starts all over again. It’s usually essential because these plants need that dormancy stage for proper growth. It’s essential for their long term development and survival.
Generally, skipping dormancy, can cause the plant to appear sickly or weak after a few years. However young seedlings, can skip the dormancy period and still begin with robust early growth the first year. Although skipping it is not recommended for beginners who aren’t well versed with the care of the plants. Naturally, these temperate plants can grow in an outside environment quite well on their own because they are tolerant of lower temperatures.
Here’s another article you may want to read further related to Carnivorous plants: Which Carnivorous Plants are Safe to Grow at Home? (No Dormancy Required)
Which Temperate Carnivorous Plant Is Right for You
It’s advisable, before you choose what type of temperate carnivores you would like to grow to consider:
- Consider the climate conditions during all four seasons
- Consider the soil and light requirements where you plan to place the plants
A temperate plant thrives well outdoors. They can also be grown indoors, but extra work and care are must for them to thrive.
We’ve compiled a guide to another article in regards to Carnivorous plants so you can decide if these plants are right for you: The 10 Most Fascinating Carnivorous Plant
