Carnivorous Plants & Jewel Orchids: A Complete Care Guide
Updated: 1 hour ago
With the right care and a little know-how, these fascinating plants can be a rewarding addition to your indoor collection! Whether you're bringing home your first Venus flytrap or adding something new to your collection, we're here to help.
Stop by Garden Heights to explore our selection and chat with our team about finding the right plant for your space!
Pinguicula (Mexican Butterwort)
Sun
Mexican Butterworts thrive on a sunny window sill. Many display a pink or red glow when exposed to high-intensity, fluorescent grow lights or LED grow lights.
Water
Use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. Mexican species should be consistently moist using the bottom-watering tray method. When transitioning to their small succulent phase in winter, keep the soil slightly dry, occasionally dampening it. If grown under grow lights in a temperature-stable environment, they will remain in active growth year-round.
Temperature
Mexican Butterworts flourish in terrariums, greenhouses, and on window sills.
Dormancy
Mexican Butterworts can experience a winter dormancy marked by a transition in leaves to a more succulent form. If grown under grow lights in a temperature-stable environment, they will remain in active growth year-round. During dormancy, withhold water until the Pinguicula forms tight succulent leaves. Resume the tray watering method once the plants begin regrowing their carnivorous leaves. If the plants do not exhibit succulent-type leaves indicating dormancy, there is no need to withhold water.
Soil
Mexican species prefer an open mix of sand, perlite, vermiculite, and peat in equal parts, with an optional addition of dolomite, gypsum, lava rock, Turface, or pumice.
Fertilizer/Feeding (Optional)
Use Schultz cactus fertilizer on Mexican Pinguicula. Following the dilution instructions on the packaging, apply fertilizer to the leaves. Apply every two weeks to once a month.
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
The Venus Flytrap is a captivating carnivorous plant native to the Carolinas, prized for its unique trap-like leaves that snap shut on unsuspecting insects. To thrive, it requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 4–6 hours daily, with supplemental lighting if grown indoors. Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water, as tap or bottled water typically contains minerals that can harm the plant. Keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged, using a 1:1 mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or silica sand—never regular potting soil.
Flytraps do best in high humidity environments with good airflow, and they require a winter dormancy period lasting about 3–4 months. During this time, reduce watering and provide cooler temperatures (around 35–50°F). Use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water.
Avoid fertilizing; the plant obtains nutrients from captured prey. While the traps are fascinating, avoid triggering them unnecessarily, as this uses up energy. Feed only live insects if needed, and never give them human food.
Repotting is recommended every 1–2 years in early spring before new growth starts. With proper care and attention to its specific needs, a Venus Flytrap can live for many years and continue to delight with its remarkable hunting adaptations.
Sundew (Drosera capensis & D. spatulata)
General Information
Drosera capensis and Drosera spatulata are carnivorous plants known as sundews, which capture insects using glandular hairs that secrete sticky mucilage. Both species are easy to grow and ideal for beginners in carnivorous plant cultivation.
Light Requirements
Provide full sun or bright artificial light (at least 12-16 hours of fluorescent or LED light daily). If growing indoors, place near a sunny window (preferably south-facing) or use grow lights.
Temperature & Humidity
Drosera capensis tolerates temperatures between 45°F - 95°F (7°C - 35°C). Drosera spatulata prefers 60°F - 85°F (15°C - 29°C) but can tolerate mild temperature drops. Humidity should be 50% or higher for optimal dew production.
Watering
Use only distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. Keep soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. The tray method works well: place the pot in a shallow tray with about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of water.
Soil & Potting
Use a carnivorous plant mix (50% sphagnum peat moss and 50% perlite or sand). Avoid fertilizers and standard potting soil, which can kill the plant. Repot every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and prevent compaction.
Feeding & Nutrition
Feed live or dried insects (e.g., fruit flies, ants, or small crickets) every 1-2 weeks. Avoid overfeeding or using human food. If growing outdoors, they can catch their own prey.
Dormancy & Growth Cycle
Drosera capensis typically does not require dormancy but may slow down growth in winter. Drosera spatulata may experience slowed growth in colder months but does not require a strict dormancy period.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Lack of dew production can be due to low humidity, insufficient light, or improper water use.
Blackened leaves often indicate overwatering, rot, or excessive direct heat.
Pests (aphids, fungus gnats, etc.) can be controlled using gentle insecticidal soap or manual removal.
By following these care guidelines, your Drosera capensis and Drosera spatulata should thrive and reward you with their unique insect-catching abilities!
Nepenthes
Overview
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Native habitat: Rainforests of Malaysia and Thailand.
Lighting
Prefers bright, indirect light or partial sun. Can be grown under artificial grow lights (12-14 hours daily). Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 50-80°F (10-27°C); tolerates slight variations. Humidity: 60-80% is ideal. Benefits from regular misting or a humidifier in drier conditions.
Watering
Use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water; avoid tap water. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top layer of the medium feels slightly dry.
Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining mix: a blend of sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark. Avoid standard potting soil or fertilizers. Repot every 1-2 years if necessary.
Feeding
Does not require fertilization if capturing insects naturally. Can supplement with small live insects (e.g., fruit flies, crickets) once or twice a month. Avoid feeding processed meats or large insects that may rot inside the pitchers.
Dormancy & Growth
Does not have a true dormancy period but may slow growth in cooler months. Produces new pitchers regularly under optimal conditions.
Common Issues
Pitcher Drying: May occur due to low humidity; increase moisture levels.
Leaf Browning: Could indicate too much direct sun or improper watering. Pest Infestations: Rare but check for aphids or mealybugs; treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
With proper care, Nepenthes can thrive and produce stunning, large pitchers. Happy growing!
Jewel Orchid (Macodes petola)
Macodes petola is a tropical jewel orchid admired for its dazzling, lightning-like veins that shimmer across velvety green leaves.
Unlike most orchids, it is grown for its foliage rather than its flowers. Native to the humid forest floors of Southeast Asia, it thrives in low to moderate indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. A warm, stable environment between 65–80°F with high humidity (70–90%) is ideal. Maintain humidity using a terrarium, pebble tray, or humidifier, and avoid drafts or temperature fluctuations.
Plant Macodes petola in a loose, airy mix—commonly a blend of sphagnum moss, fine orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of charcoal. Keep the substrate evenly moist but never soggy. Water with distilled or rainwater when the top layer begins to dry, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer at 1/4 strength.
This jewel orchid appreciates consistent care and a clean environment. Gently wipe the leaves if dust accumulates and monitor for pests like mites or mealybugs. While it may bloom with small, delicate flowers, its true appeal lies in its glowing foliage. With patience and a stable setup, Macodes petola will reward you with its striking beauty year-round.
Carnivorous plants and jewel orchids may have different needs than your typical houseplants, but with the right care, they can make a fascinating addition to your collection!
From proper watering and lighting to creating the right growing environment, a little attention goes a long way. Have questions or ready to add something new to your collection? Stop by Garden Heights and chat with our team. We're always happy to help you find the right plants for your space!
