cosckla@uhnix1.UUCP (USENET Administration) (07/09/87)
Attention: all of you who are considering attempting to grow
a Venus Flytrap. The Venus Flytrap is not a suitable first
carnivorous plant for anyone but a bromiliad grower. CP
growing is a learning process. The Venus Flytrap is probably
a good second carnivorous plant, but not a good first one.
What do I suggest? Sundew
Why? 1) Sundews are generally less expensive
2) Sundews are usually in better health if and
when they are sold.
3) Although individual plants may be short lived, sundews
are much easier to replace from their own seed. Thus,
the definition for success with sundews is the maintain-
ance of a Sundew colony, and not necessarily the longevity
of a single plant like it would be with a Flytrap. This
definition of success is a less stringent one, and is
roughly the same definition a farmer would use for a
cash crop of wheat or potatoes.
4) Sundews are much less toxic. Flytraps contain Cynide.
5) Sundews, on the average, are more esthetically pleasing.
6) Sundews have a variety of 90+ species, there is only
one species of Flytrap.
These rules apply in general, although there are often exceptions.
Always favor the Sundew most native to your ares.
How do you grow one? What are the problems involved?
1) Growing media- Sphagnum moss, preferably live. A trace of peat
moss is permissible. Do not artificially acidify the soil.
Fertilizer is not reccommended. If you must, use no more than
one tenth as much as you would for a normal plant.
The deeper the growing media, the better.
2) Light - Sundews prefer high light intensity.
3) Water - Stick to rain and distilled water. Tap water is
poisonous. If you see mineral deposits in the container,
it is time to repot, cleanse the soil, etc . Sundew like a
high watertable.
4) Humidity - Sundews like high humidity even better than
sunlight. Therefore, a transparent cover over the container
during daytime is just the thing.
5) Disease prevention - Your worst problem will be molds, mildews,
fungii, rots, etc. Prevention consists of nightly aereation of
container, i.e. remove the plastic cover. Of course, when
mycollogical problems develop, remove from container physically.
6) Leaf protection - The leaves exude a sweet sticky substance from
which the plant gets its name. The dew sparkles in the sun, therefore
Sundew. The leaves are also very sensitive. Physical contact is bad.
Dirt and other foriegn matter will absorb dew that must be replaced
by the leaves. Watterlogging and washing is even worse. The leaf
must replace the dew. The dew is a formidable mixture of sugars,
scents, opiates, and disinfectants. Obviously an expensive operation.
7) Feeding - Not necessary. Even in an appartment, there is a sufficient
quantity of fleas, fruitflies, and cockroaches sufficiently small
and numerous to take care of this problem.
If you still want to grow a flytrap, the above rules still apply.
Flytraps and Sundew are good companions for each other. I cannot
guarantee absolute success, but these guidelines will certainly
give you a substantial edge. Good luck
Clayton E. Benignus