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MaryM
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Has anyone grown carnivorous plants? We saw a demo display of a variety of these plants at the Botanic Gardens here. They were fascinating and we're interested in trying our hand at growing some. The gentleman there made it sound like it wasn't too difficult (but I'm not a green thumb with house plants  )
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Where did you get them?
Any good carnivorous plants books?
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Mary M. in Denver
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5athome
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I have seen these plants for sale at the Home Depot and Lowes but we have not tried it yet.
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MacBeth
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I can kill a Venus fly trap in two days. 
The last time we got one, it lived for months, though. I think the kids really followed the instructions carefully. I have always wanted to try a pitcher plant, but I have not seen any for sale.
If you try it, keep us posted.
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lapazfarm
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I have tried pitcher plants, venus flytraps and sundews(? I think that's the name?) and killed them all! I am good in the garden but death to houseplants!
I think I got mine from Carolina biological.
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MaryM
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| Posted: July 27 2006 at 2:07pm | IP Logged
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MacBeth wrote:
| I can kill a Venus fly trap in two days. |
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lapazfarm wrote:
| I have tried pitcher plants, venus flytraps and sundews(? I think that's the name?) and killed them all! |
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See, that's what I had always sort of heard, but the guy that was doing the demo at the Botanic Gardens, made it sound so easy. They certainly are cool plants so it would be fun - not sure yet if we are going to try.
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cathhomeschool
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Unfortunately, I'm with MacBeth and Theresa.  We tried pitcher plants, venus flytraps and sundews. The flytrap lasted longest, but, alas, I killed them all in the end. We did get to watch the flytrap eat a couple of flies first though. I'm certainly glad we tried it.
They are very sensitive to the chemicals in water. Rainwater or distilled (I believe) must be used. Temp and humidity are really important too.
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MaryM
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Well we just got one (Venus flytrap) today...after all these years...  Let's see how fast we can kill it.
Any positive experiences...???
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KackyK
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This is not a first hand positive, but I can attest to a friend whose son and dh have successfully kept their plants alive for years I believe now! They have theirs in an aquarium like terrarium set up. If that makes sense???
Keep us updated, I have a kiddo who really wants to try too, I just have not gotten around to it and his bday is coming up...hmmm....
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CatholicMommy
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My son would love this! Thank you for prompting the idea!
(I too tend to kill plants - house, outside or otherwise - but lately have been doing rather decently... perhaps there is hope for me yet ;) )
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roseberyem
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My dh grows carnivorous plants as a hobby - we have a greenhouse full of them.
I will ask him for some input...
Emily
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MaryM
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roseberyem wrote:
My dh grows carnivorous plants as a hobby - we have a greenhouse full of them.
I will ask him for some input...
Emily |
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Oh, yes, please Emily. We need expert advise. Already ours isn't looking so hot 
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roseberyem
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I have some basic info that dh suggested - I'm sure further info could be found on the internet too.
Firstly, Venus fly traps, saracenias (pitcher plant) or nepenthes (monkey cups) are good ones to start with.
In summer, they need to sit in a shallow dish of water to prevent drying out.
During winter they don't need as much water, but should still be kept moist.
Don't be too hasty throwing out 'dead' fly traps, they may have actually gone dormant.  Some parts do dry out and look 'dead' but should regrow during spring. You can remove the dead traps.
Keeping indoors is fine, however they do need full sun. If they aren't getting full sun on the window sill, have them inside for 3 days, then put them out for 10 days.
Really, really hard not to do, but with fly traps don't touch traps with your fingers to watch them "close up". If this is done too often, you can kill the plant because it won't get any nutrients from phantom flies/insects...
You can't use ordinary potting mix and do not use any fertilizer.
I think they do like a greenhouse type atmosphere - similar to orchids in that sense. We have on occasions had to put up with carnivorous plants in the bathroom, because they do like the humidity...
If you have any specific questions, let me know and I will consult dh again...
Have fun - I'm not much of a green thumb myself - but these plants are pretty spunky in their own way.
Emily
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: Carnivorous Plants
