Carnivorous plants are very popular as eye-catchers in the home - unfortunately mistakes are often made when caring for them. Here you can find out which 5 faux pas you should avoid when caring for carnivores.
Carnivores are the dream of many gardeners - the carnivorous house plants With their exotic appearance and almost mystical reputation, they are a real eye-catcher in the apartment and are also great to watch. Unfortunately, many people have bad experiences with their first carnivore, because it often begins to sicken after a short time or even dies completely. The reason for this is not the difficult nature of the carnivores, but the fact that Carnivorous plants require special care that differs from common care Houseplants are different. So that you can properly care for your carnivorous plants right from the start, we have selected the most common mistakes in caring for carnivores.
1. The wrong soil for carnivorous plants
You want to do something good for your freshly bought carnivores and therefore repot them in a new container with fresh potting soil. The thought is a good one, but unfortunately this action can already lead to the exotic plant soon beginning to become ailing. Namely, one of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for carnivorous plants is choice the right soil - normal flower or houseplant soil can tolerate the insectivorous plants not. Since carnivorous plants are particularly common in nutrient-poor moor regions, they need a substrate that is precisely tailored to their needs. Special carnivore soils are particularly suitable, for example the Floragard special soil for carnivorous plants. These have a low pH value and are particularly low in nutrients, which is very beneficial to the exotic plants. Carnivore soils also have a high water storage capacity, which also has a positive effect on the carnivorous plants. Mixing carnivore soil yourself is not recommended for beginners in particular - even advanced gardeners often do difficult to find a balance between the individual components and to give your plants the best possible basis Offer.
2. Incorrectly overwinter carnivorous plants
That many plants have special needs Overwinter is known to most gardeners. It is no different when caring for carnivorous plants: some tolerate it Carnivores in the gardenlike the hardy ones Sarracenia purpurea, also sub-zero temperatures, but most of the plants should be overwintered separately. A common mistake that is made is that all carnivorous plants are overwintered the same way. In fact, one has to distinguish between carnivores from temperate zones and carnivores of tropical origin. Tropical species like that Pitcher plant (Nepenthes) should experience the same conditions and care in winter as in summer. The light is often a major problem, as it quickly becomes too dark for the plants, even in sunny places. You can remedy this with a special plant lamp. If, on the other hand, you have carnivorous plants from temperate regions - such as the sundew (Drosera) - these should be wintered cool. A bright room with around 12 ° C is ideal to give the carnivores a break. During this time, the carnivorous plants need less water, which is why the watering intervals can be extended.
3. Feed carnivores
One of the most fascinating things about carnivores is that they hunt for prey. The complex trapping mechanisms of the insectivorous plants inspire young and old and always invite you to be amazed. Those who tend to carnivorous plants are tempted to actively feed their plants in order to watch the spectacular spectacle. However, this is not always beneficial for the health of the plants: On the one hand, enough insects live in the apartment so that additional feeding is not necessary. On the other hand, excessive irritation of the trapping leaves can damage the plant in the long term. So the catch sheet snaps the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) usually only to five times before it dies. Food animals that are too large can also be a problem for the plant, as the additional enzyme production can unbalance the digestion of the plant. If you still do not want to forego feeding, you should only do so at longer intervals and make sure that the animals to be fed are of an appropriate size.
4. Too little humidity
A nice, warm place over the heater on the windowsill? What at first sounds like a good idea for the exotic carnivores often turns out to be a big mistake. In fact, you have to pay close attention to the humidity if you want to properly care for carnivorous plants. Some types of pitcher plants require a humidity of 80 to 100%, which is why they are only used in special plant terrariums or in a large one Bottle garden can be held successfully. Sundew and Venus fly traps are much more robust in this regard, but here too the humidity should not fall below 40%. You should therefore pay attention to the plant if possible, especially with dry heating air in winter Do not place it near heaters and place it in a place with higher humidity (for example as Plant for the bathroom) to offer. Another trick to increase the humidity is to place a bowl of water filled with expanded clay under the actual plant pot. The evaporation of the water increases the humidity in the vicinity of the carnivores and makes them feel right at home.
5. Properly water and fertilize carnivorous plants
When a normal houseplant is doing badly, many gardeners resort to fertilizer or watering cans. But when caring for carnivorous plants, the additional fertilization is a cardinal mistake. Since the plants normally grow in very nutrient-poor substrates, an increased dose of nutrients can even have a toxic effect on them. In fact, the insectivorous plants usually do not need any additional nutrients in the form of fertilizer. Instead, you should put carnivorous plants in a container with fresh carnivorous soil once a year, for example with Floragard special soil for carnivorous plants, repot. The sparingly dosed nutrients in it are sufficient for the frugal plant for the entire year. Caution is also advised when watering: Although the carnivores like it when their substrate is always kept well moist, they are very sensitive to lime in the water. If you want to properly care for your carnivorous plants, it is best to use low-calcium rainwater.
Many thanks to Floragard for their support!
