Carnivorous Plant Terrariums

Carnivorous Terrariums and Plants

Many years ago there was a rumor floating around, and it almost became an accepted fact that the Venus Fly Trap was only found in one place on the Earth and that was around a meteor crater in the mid-west! Well of course the underlying assumption here is that maybe the Venus fly trap actually came from outer space! Of course the rumor and assumption are not true. But the Venus Fly trap is quite a unique little plant in that it is a meat eater. And it is not the only one. There are other plants like the pitcher plant that also eats meat. And while it is true that many of these carnivorous plants only grow natually in very limited areas of the world you can still have a few of them in your home. And with a little care or a kit you can successfully grow your own carnivirous terrarium. There is something special about having a terrarium, which is like a miniature little ecology. But there is something Really special about a terrarium of carnivorous plants.

Types of Carnivorous Plants

There are quite a few different species of carnivorous plants that are suitable for domestication and terrariums and there are basically three different types of functions that these plants have.

The first type of plant is the Flytrap. This is where an insect will actually be trapped by moving parts of the plant. The Venus Flytrap is the most common, and best known of these. It is also reasonably easy to care for but it does have a dormant period which will last a couple of months. You should put it in your refrigerator during this period. Some types of Nepenthes also have a trap door like action, although they take up to 15 minutes to close. But they don't have a dormant period which makes them more suitable for a year round terrarium.

The second type is the Pitcher Plant type. This type of carnivorous plant uses the shape of a long pitcher to act as a trap that an insect will fall into and not be able to get out of. Liquid in the bottom of the pitcher will drown and digest the insect.

The third major type is the sundew. These plants have glands that excrete sticky fluids that attract and trap insects with their stickiness. The glands will then digest them. They often have a whole series of little sticky prongs that make them look kind of like porcupines.

Interested in learning more? I have a tutorial with more information about making terrrariums with carnivorous plants.

Amazon.com has a wonderful variety of carnivorous plants and seeds that can be shipped directly to you.

Gothic House Carnivorous Terrarium (Wardian Case) -LIVE

Table Top Gothic House Carnivorous Terrarium (Wardian Case) with live plants
Designed after the English Conservatories
9L x 5W x 8H
You will receive the Table Top Gothic House Terrarium, moss, and carnivorous plants including Venus Fly Trap, Butterwart, Sundew, Pitcher Plant, Cobra Plant
You will also receive complete planting and care instructions

Carnivorous Terrarium with Live Plants Grow your own feared and famous meat eating plants. This terrarium features the infamous Venus Trap. The leaves of a Venus Fly Trap are covered with fine hairs. When an insect lands on the plant, the pressure on these hairs causes the jaw-like foliage to snap closed, trapping the insect inside. The diabolical Cobra Plant. The unsuspecting insect crawls down the cylindrical stem and is unable to get out. The plant hairs all point down making an escape impossible. The hopeless insect is then slowly dissolved into plant food. And finally the harmless looking Sundew Plant. It lures, captures, and digest insects using stalked mucilaginous glands covering their leaf surface. The insects are used to supplement the poor mineral nutrition that sundews are able to obtain from the soil they grow in. The acrylic terrarium is 6 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Included in the kit are 3 live carnivorous plants, Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea), Sundew (Drosera), and Cobra Plant (Sarracenia). Soil and instructions are included.

English Conservatory Live Carnivorous Plant Terrarium - Designed after the English Conservatories, ths tabletop Wardian Case has the detailing that not only makes it look great, but is also fully functional. Decorate with a seasonal theme for an ever-changing look or with living plants. The Barrel Roof is the best selling table top terrarium, this classic design makes a great home accent or gift. 14L x 9W x 15 H You will receive the English Conservatory Terrarium, soil, and carnivorous plants including Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plants, Butterworts, Cobra Lily and Sundews. The exact mix of plants you receive depends on the season. You will also receive complete planting and care instructions. Terrariums (Wardian Cases) are wonderful, magical environments. Decorative, attractive, and easy to care for, just plant and forget. Because terrariums recycle their moisture, they need very little attention. A closed terrarium can often go a month or more between watering. They actually thrive on neglect! Now even people who tend to neglect plants can develop a "Green Thumb". Create and enjoy a miniature eco-systems.

The Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants - In addition to the familiar Venus flytrap, there are several hundred species of carnivorous plants on our planet. Most can be grown in the amateur gardener's backyard or even in a window box. Full-color photos show the plants at work and at rest and tell you everything you need to successfully grow your own--little garden of horrors. Full-color throughout.