advice wanted

[seamusagleann]

i recently visited the royal botanical gardens in glasgow and came across these little guys, i know there venus fly traps

is it possible to cultivate them in this country without the need of too much equipment,if so how do i go about it ...thanks in advance

[Tracey.A]

Hi Seamus,

I remember a few years back it was possible to buy the seeds and grow your own - I tried, I failed! I'll keep an eye on this thread 'cos I'd love to try again, plus my little boy would love this

All the best

Tracey

[Mark Tulley]

My wife grew insectivorous plants for several years. The most important point is to keep them always sitting in water, and it must be rain water. You can usually buy plants at garden festivals.

Good luck

[aeshna5]

I grow quite a few carnivorous plants + acid water is ideal, though distilled water will do in emergency, but no hard tap water. Also don't give them any plant feed as these plants come from habitats low in nutrients, which is why they catch their own grub! Give them a sunny position too.

[ceterach]

Hi

It can be very tricky to grow long term. The problem with Venus Fly Trap is that unlike most other insectivorous plants such as Pitcher Plants and Sundews that grow in bogs (fairly easy to reproduce) it's natural habitat is nutrient-poor sandy soils on river banks.

Growing it can be hit and miss, the best plant I have ever seen was grown by a friend's seven year old daughter on a window sill. In garden soil, standing in rain water it ended up in a 12inch pan.

All the best

[ron1863]

If I remember correctly, they sell them in some garden centres. You get a little pot with a clear plastic domed lid and a packet of seeds/instructions.

[Devonmaid]

Hi

I bought a Venus Flytrap from B & Q some years ago and it lived for a few years on the kitchen window ledge! At the moment I have a huge pitcher plant that is living happily outdoors in the back garden. I keep it standing in a tray topped up with rain water during dry periods but just leave it in winter.

Devonmaid

[seamusagleann]

thanks for the advice,folks .seems like not too bad a project. rain water and acid peaty soil, is no problem up here,so i'll try it....watch this space!!!..thanks!!