This is how the funnel of a pitcher plant works
In the Pitcher plant leaves form to trap. They curl up so that they become one funnel(€ 4.58 at Amazon *) form, which is wide at the top and tapers at the bottom. The larger the upper funnel diameter, the larger the insects can be. The pitcher plant can even catch wasps with its calyx.
also read
- Carnivorous Plants - A Wanted Poster
- Do carnivorous plants help against flies?
- Large carnivorous plants
The color of the funnel attracts insects. In addition, the trap gives off a sweetish scent that is very attractive.
As soon as an insect perches on the edge, it will slide off and fall directly into the liquid at the bottom of the funnel.
Enzymes take care of digestion
So that the prey animals digested the liquid in the funnels contains various enzymes. They decompose the prey and deprive it of nutrients - especially nitrogen and minerals.
Hardly anything remains of the prey itself. Only the chitin shells and the legs of insects are indigestible.
Maintain pitcher plants indoors
If you want to keep a pitcher plant indoors, you need a very bright spot. A sunny south-facing window is well suited.
Since the plants also need a high level of humidity in order to form many funnels, they can be placed well in a terrarium or under Glass draw. Of course, this only applies to the smaller species of this carnivorous plant.
Like all carnivorous plants, pitcher plants do not tolerate calcareous water. Only water them with rainwater or, alternatively, still mineral water.
Pitcher plants are usually hardy
In winter, pitcher plants that are grown in the room are placed in a cooler place. Make sure that the humidity does not drop too much. The plant substrate must never dry out completely.
Tips
Pitcher plants are also very easy to keep on the patio. The funnels are very decorative, especially since they have a reddish color depending on the species. In contrast to other carnivores, they can tolerate sub-zero temperatures and can also be used outside overwintered will.