22 Types of Carnivorous Plants & How to Grow Them at Home
- Bath Garden Center
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Carnivorous plants are some of the most fascinating plants you can grow, combining unusual beauty with a unique way of surviving in nutrient-poor environments. Instead of relying solely on soil nutrients, these plants trap and digest insects to supplement their needs. Many types of carnivorous plants can be grown successfully at home, either indoors or outdoors, with the right care. Let’s go over some of the hundreds of types of carnivorous plants, along with basic care tips to help you choose the right carnivorous plant for your indoor or outdoor garden!
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
The Venus flytrap is one of the most recognizable carnivorous plants, known for its classic snap-to-close traps lined with tiny trigger hairs. It thrives in bright light, high humidity, and nutrient-poor soil. Grow it outdoors in full sun during warm months or indoors near a sunny window. Use distilled water for best results.
American Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia)
Sarracenia species use tall, tubular pitcher-shaped leaves to trap insects. These plants prefer full sun and are well-suited for outdoor bog gardens. They require consistently moist soil and benefit from winter dormancy when grown outdoors in colder climates.
Tropical pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)
Nepenthes produce hanging, cup-shaped pitchers, and are often grown as houseplants. They prefer bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. A well-draining carnivorous plant mix and distilled water are essential for healthy growth.
Sundew (Drosera)
Sundews use sticky glands on their leaves to lure and capture insects. Many species adapt well to indoor growing with bright light and consistently moist soil. Some varieties are also suitable for outdoor bog gardens, depending on the species.
Butterwort (Pinguicula)
Butterworts love fruit flies and capture these pesky insects on their flat, greasy-looking leaves. You can grow sundews indoors in bright light or outdoors in mild climates. These plants prefer moist soil during active growth and slightly drier conditions during dormancy.
Cobra Lily (Darlingonia californica)
The cobra lily features a unique hooded pitcher resembling a striking snake. It prefers cool roots, bright light, and flowing water conditions. Outdoor growing is typically more successful than indoor cultivation.
Australian Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus follicularis)
Cephalotus is prized for its small size and intricate pitchers. It grows best in bright light, with good air circulation and well-draining soil. Avoid overheating and keep soil evenly moist.
Bladderwort (Utricularia)
Bladderworts trap prey using tiny underwater or soil-based bladders. Some species grow well indoors in moist soil, while others are aquatic. They thrive in bright light and consistently wet conditions.
Dewy Pine (Drosophyllum lusitanicum)
Dewy pine resembles a sundew but prefers drier conditions. It needs bright light, excellent drainage, and minimal water once established. This plant is best suited for experienced growers.
Albany Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus ‘Hummer’s Giant’)
This cultivar of Cephalotus offers larger pitchers while maintaining compact growth. Care requirements are similar to the standard species, with an emphasis on airflow and controlled moisture.
Forked Sundew (Drosera bintata)
Forked sundew features branching leaves covered in sticky tentacles. It adapts well to indoor growing with bright light and moist soil, and can also be grown outdoors seasonally.
Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis)
One of the easiest carnivorous plants to grow, cape sundew thrives indoors with bright light and consistently moist soil. It readily produces dew and often flowers under proper care.
King Sundew (Drosera regia)
King sundew is larger and more demanding than other sundews. It prefers bright light, cooler temperatures, and deep pots to accommodate its long roots.
Mexican Butterwort (Pinguicula moranesis)
This butterwort species is popular as a houseplant. It prefers bright indirect light and moderate watering, with reduced moisture during its winter rosette phase.
California Bladderwort (Utricularia californica)
This aquatic species grows in shallow water and captures microscopic prey. It requires clean, nutrient-poor water and bright light to thrive.
Parrot Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia psittacina)
This low-growing pitcher plant uses ground-level traps to capture insects. It thrives outdoors in sunny, bog-like conditions with constant moisture.
Sweet Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia rubra)
Known for its slender pitchers and subtle coloration, this plant prefers full sun and wet soil. It is well-suited for outdoor carnivorous plant gardens.
White-Topped Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia leucophylla)
This striking species features white-veined pitchers and thrives in full sun. It requires a winter dormancy period and consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Hooded Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia minor)
Hooded pitcher plants have compact pitchers with translucent window sections. They are easy to grow outdoors in sunny, bog-style conditions.
Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris)
This cold-hardy butterwort can be grown outdoors in cool climates. It prefers moist soil and bright light, and requires winter dormancy.
Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa)
A rare aquatic carnivorous plant, the waterwheel plant snaps shut on prey underwater. It requires warm, clean water and bright light, which can be challenging for home growers.
Rainbow Plant (Byblis Liniflora)
Rainbow plants resemble sundews and use sticky leaves to catch insects. They prefer bright light, warm temperatures, and consistently moist soil with good drainage.
Find Carnivorous Plants & Supplies at Bath Garden Center
Whether you are new to carnivorous plants or expanding your collection, Bath Garden Center & Nursery offers a selection of plants, soil mixes, and growing supplies to help you succeed. Our knowledgeable team is always happy to answer questions and help you choose the right plants for your home or garden. Stop by the garden center to explore your options and start growing these fascinating plants with confidence.
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