| Description: |
Each leaf of the rosette develops a trap at the end which closes when triggered by an insect, trapping the victim, and digesting it with juices secreted by the leaf. The plant gets much of its needed nitrogen in this way. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the North/East/West |
| Soil Type: |
Use a GOOD rich potting soil (a soil that retains water yet drains well), such as an African violet mix. If you want to mix your own take:
1 part sphagnum moss, 1 part peat and 1 part perlite.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Drench the soil and let it become moderately dry between waterings. If you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Not strictly necessary as it normally catches its lunch but will enjoy the occasional bug. Can be fertilized monthly spring through fall if its owner is feeling generous. An alternative is a granular slow release fertilizer if applied annually in the early spring. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to none Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Division and seeds
in the spring.
After dividing plant, pot in the plant's regular potting mix. It is best to propagate seeds in a mixture of moist peat and perlite. Cover the pot and plant with a plastic bag secured by a rubber band to prevent the moisture from escaping. Place in indirect sunlight or under a fluorescent light. Repot in its regular mix after it has been growing for a while.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Keep cool in the winter. Place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water. This is a good plant for a terrarium.
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