Carnivorous Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular carnivorous plants with care guides, trapping mechanisms, and cultivation tips.
Featured Carnivorous Plant
Showing 4 of 140 species
© Nephiliskos at de.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0Pinguicula cyclosecta
Pinguicula cyclosecta
A small butterwort from limestone country in north-eastern Mexico. The blue-violet edges of its fleshy leaves are unmistakable, and in strong light the whole leaf can colour. The purple flowers have evenly rounded petals.
© Averater / CC BY-SA 3.0Pinguicula emarginata
Pinguicula emarginata
A small butterwort from rock faces in Mexican cloud forest. It keeps the same leaves all year without forming a winter rosette, and its small white flowers are veined in violet; the name refers to the notched petals.
© Christian Hummert (Ixitixel) / CC BY-SA 3.0Pinguicula moctezumae
Pinguicula moctezumae
A butterwort found only in the canyon of the Río Moctezuma in Mexico. It raises long, narrow leaves about 10 cm long and bears large deep-pink flowers with a long spur. It is also known as a parent of the cultivar 'Aphrodite'.
© alexlomas / CC BY 2.0Utricularia longifolia
Utricularia longifolia
A large bladderwort from rocks in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. It grows the longest leaves in the genus and bears flowers large enough to be mistaken for orchids. One of the easier tropical species to grow.
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Carnivorous Plant FAQ
- How much do carnivorous plants cost?
- Venus Flytraps cost 500-2,000 yen, Nepenthes 1,000-10,000 yen, and rare highland Nepenthes can exceed tens of thousands of yen depending on species and size.
- Can beginners grow carnivorous plants?
- Venus Flytraps, Sundews, and Sarracenia are relatively easy and beginner-friendly. Keep them in a tray of water for humidity and place in a sunny spot.
- How long do carnivorous plants live?
- Venus Flytraps can live 10+ years with proper care, and Sarracenia are similarly long-lived. Nepenthes can grow for decades in the right conditions, getting progressively larger.
- What should I check when buying carnivorous plants?
- Check that leaves and traps are healthy with no root rot. For Nepenthes, choose specimens with pitchers. Avoid sudden environment changes after purchase and acclimate gradually.
- Do I need to feed insects to carnivorous plants?
- They grow fine through photosynthesis alone without feeding. Insects are supplemental nutrition and don't need to be force-fed. Outdoor plants catch bugs naturally, which is fun to observe.