Legends about man-eating plants have persisted throughout history. No one has managed to bring one back alive. So we must be content to collect plants that merely devour insects. This in itself is truly marvelous. Just consider how you might solve the problems of catching food if you were rooted to one spot all your life. To solve this problem and survive, plants like the Venus flytrap, the sundew and the pitcher plant became expert trappers, in a sense.

These plants may attract insects with the perfumes they exude or with brightly colored flowers and foliage. Some capture the insects on specially adapted, sticky appendages. Or, as in the case of the Venus flytrap a bit of nectar lures the unsuspecting victim into the trap which quickly snaps shut. VENUS FLY TRAP (Dionaea muscipula) This almost "animal" plant has traps at the end of its leaves. The traps are opposite segments "hinged" at the center and edged with cilia (bristles).

On the inside surface of the traps there are usually 3 trigger hairs, which when touched or stimulated cause closing of the traps. It takes traps from several seconds to less than ½ second to close depending on temperature and age of trap. During closure the segments of the trap move toward each other until they touch and their cilia interlock just as your fingers do when you fold your hands. This prevents the escape of most insects.

The stimulation of the trap by insects causes the trap to secrete digestive juices, which digest the soft part of the insect's body. Traps will reopen in 4 to 20 days depending on the nature of the meal. If the trigger hairs are stimulated by something not digestible, the traps will usually open within a day.

The leaves and traps turn black with age. This is normal, simply snip them off and new ones will grow. In plenty of light the traps will become a deep crimson color whereas in limited light the color will be green. In the spring delicate flowers are produced.

Care instructions:

All carnivorous plants require a high humidity. Growing in a greenhouse, terrarium, aquarium, fish bowl, or wide mouth container can provide this. The container should be covered with some transparent material to prevent loss of moisture. Lack of ventilation could result in mold growth, which may be harmful to the plant. During sunny weather the lid may have to be removed in order to get the air circulation. When selecting a container remember the pitcher plant may reach heights of 3 feet or more. The soil medium should be peat as they like an acidic soil. All carnivorous plants require plenty of sunlight. During the summer it is best to have filtered sunlight. You must prevent the temperature inside the container from getting too high. Plants thrive best at about 80 degrees.

Top of Page