Carnivorous plants. A thread.

In the evolution process, identifying a habitat with the least competition is one of the most important factors which significantly contributes towards the survival of a species. The clever species (not necessarily the physically strongest) are the ones which will survive.

Carnivorous plants chose nutrient-poor habitats where few other plant species can grow optimally. These habitats include bogs and wetlands - only the most innovative species survive in those areas.

These fascinating plants get their nutrients from trapping and eating animals. Some people call them insectivorous plants because they usually trap insects.

The way in which they source nutrition allows the. To grow in thin soils with poor nutrients (I.e. in wetlands).

For those who are interested in owning one: these plants need high humidity (a trait they got from evolving in wetlands), bright (NOT DIRECT) light and a special growing medium which is moist and acidic. The medium can be a mix of peat, perlite or sand.

Never pot using regular garden soil. THEY WILL DIE!!

Each species requires it's own specific blend of growing medium so research requirements for specific species before buying one.

Carnivorous plants have three basic mechanisms that help them separate prey versus pollinator. Ideally they do not want to snack on their pollinators.

Mechanism 1: Spatial separation. This means flowers are very high above the ground to attract flying pollinators whilst the traps are closer to the ground to attract crawling prey.

Mechanism 2: Temporal separation. This means the flowers bloom first so pollinators can come through and do their thing and post that shandis the traps develop for feasting season to start. This way pollinators and prey don’t get attracted at the same time.

Mechanism 3: The use of different attractants. Flowers will attract pollinators using nectar whilst prey gets attracted to scent, colour schemes and patterns. Overtime, through evolution, these plants are able to refine their attractants.

Ideally, these chappies don’t want to eat their pollinators but ooopsies happen. It izzzz what it izzzzz!! It is not evolutionary advantageous for them to eat their pollinators. Without pollinators they will not survive.

There isn’t sufficient scientific data outlining how pollination of these wonderful plants happens in the wild. Humans have been pollinating them in greenhouses for a long time but information is starting to trickle in about their behaviour in the wild.

Thanks for reading this useless information..

Oom, your local Plant Pathologist.

Don’t get caught with your plant down.