Bug-Eating Plants!
Workshop this Saturday! "Caring for Carnivorous Plants" with Chelsie Vandaveer. 11:30am; free with paid admission!
Carnivory is typically practiced by plants which have evolved in areas where nutrients are scarce or non-existent in the soil. These plants have developed numerous methods of collecting the necessary nutrients. They are either active plants...such as the venus fly trap, which "snaps closed" on its prey when trigger hairs are touched by an insect; or passive plants...such as the pitcher plants, which have various methods of attracting insects into their column, which may be lined with a waxy surface, or downward facing hairs, which preclude the exit of the insect. Either way, the outcome is the same. The plants then digest the insect to extract its nutrients. This is the only acceptable food for these plants. Do not fertilize them!
Here's a Pointer: Because these plants have evolved in such a nutrient-poor environment, they are extremely sensitive to minerals in their water. Well-water typically contains dissolved minerals such as lime (calcium) or iron. Potable water from your tap also contains minerals, as well as chlorine and/or chloramines. Therefore, it is best that carnivorous plants be watered with rainwater when possible. If rainwater is not available, then distilled water may be used. (Note: this is not the same as spring water or mineral water, both of which contain dissolved minerals.) Another acceptable choice, is reverse osmosis water (known by many aquarium owners). It is often the type of water dispensed by machines in front of grocery stores, for refilling empty one gallon water jugs. Consider collecting some rainwater, and storing it in clean (preferably glass) containers.
-Bill O'Grady, Education Supervisor, Sunken Gardens