Most houseplants need additional fertilizer to thrive. However, fertilizing is not advisable for carnivorous plants (carnivores). It is more likely to harm the plants and cause them to die. They provide themselves with nutrients.
Should carnivorous plants be fertilized?
Carnivorous plants should not be fertilized because in nature they supply themselves with nutrients on nutrient-poor soils. Fertilization can even harm them. Instead, they need lots of light and sufficient humidity.
Why you shouldn't fertilize carnivorous plants
In their original place in nature, carnivorous plants grow on very nutrient-poor soils. That's why they are equipped with catching devices with which they can also catch and digest insects.
The substrate used to grow carnivorous plants indoors usually already contains too many nutrients. Therefore, fertilizing carnivores is not necessary even in winter when there are few insects.
Occasionally it is recommended to give pitcher plants or Venus flytraps highly diluted orchid fertilizer. However, that is unnecessary.
Replace substrate annually
A mixture of peat, pebbles and other components is usually used as a substrate for carnivorous plants. Peat breaks down over time, so you should repot carnivorous plants every spring.
A larger pot is only necessary if the old planter has become too small for the root ball (€27.00 on Amazon).
Carefully take the carnivorous plant out of the pot, shake off the old substrate as completely as possible and place the plant in fresh carnivorous soil.
Don't over-feed carnivorous plants
Even if it appeals to most hobby gardeners: you don't have to feed carnivorous plants. If you still want to experience the occasional carnivorous plant trapping its prey, don't overdo it.
Only put a live specimen of insects and small animals in the traps, such as:
- Mosquitoes
- small flies
- Fruit flies
- Ants
- little spiders
Make sure that the prey animals are not too big. Do not feed too often and avoid touching the traps with your hands. If carnivores are fed frequently and incorrectly, the trapping devices die. This can cause the plant to die.
Tip
Carnivorous plants primarily need a lot of light and sufficient humidity. For many varieties, a place in a south or west window is enough. Other species need additional artificial lighting.
