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.

A Note from Will: I own Venus Flytraps and I have a tutorial on how to make a terrarium and how to care for these plants. It includes a video you can watch. Make a Venus Fly Trap Terrarium

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.

3 Live Adult Carnivorous Plants in Deluxe Terrarium: Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, Sundew

• This deluxe terrarium has healthy LIVE ADULT Carnivorous Plants, ready to chomp some bugs!
• Nice sized 2 to 3 inch adult plants. Venus flytraps will have at least 3 traps, pitcher plants at least 2 pitchers, sundews at least 6 leaves.
• Watch these fascinating plants grow in the included peat planting mix and large 2 gallon size planter terrarium with clear sides.
• This rare and unusual collection of carnivorous plants will flourish for years in this specially designed 11.75"L x 6.75"W x 8"H terrarium with proper care. Top picture on left is actual 3 month old terrarium in our office kept by people with no green thumb. Lids may be black, blue or green.
• GUARANTEED! We guarantee LIVE arrival of your plants. ****DO NOT ORDER if below 40 degrees or above 85 degrees in your area. Our live arrival guaranty will be void if ordered during these temperatures. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING TEMPERATURES IN YOUR AREA to be sure your plants arrive alive.**** We ship this item via USPS (post office) within 4 business days.

Live Adult Venus Flytrap in Terrarium

• Live healthy adult sized Venus Flytrap Plant with a 4.5" diameter terrarium.
• Will have at least 3 traps on it, ready to gobble a bug!
• Terrariums come an assortment of bright colors. Comes with an easy care sheet and set up for beginners.
• A 'death trap' for insects! These plants 'trap' their prey with a clever hair-trigger mechanism. Once trapped, they are slowly digested.
• GUARANTEED! We guarantee LIVE arrival of your plant. ****DO NOT ORDER if below 40 degrees or above 85 degrees in your area. Our live arrival guaranty will be void if ordered during these temperatures. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING TEMPERATURES IN YOUR AREA to be sure your plant arrives alive.**** We ship this item via USPS (post office) within 4 business days.

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.

Hungry Plants

This book offers readers a bug's-eye view into the strange and fascinating world of carnivorous plants. From the "jaws" of the Venus flytrap to the pretty sundew plant whose delicate tentacles entrap its prey, the unique anatomy and behaviors of meat-eating plants are detailed with clear, engaging text and art.

Live Adult Pitcher Plant in Terrarium - Carnivorous Plant P. Purpurea

• Live healthy adult sized Pitcher Plant with a 4.5" diameter terrarium.
• Will have at least 2 pitchers on it, ready to gobble a bug!
• Terrariums come an assortment of bright colors. Comes with an easy care sheet and set up for beginners.
• Called S. purpurea, its leaves create a 'pitcher' shaped 'pitfall trap' with pointy hairs pointing downwards, so unlucky bugs who crawl in can't get out. Then they drown in the liquid at the bottom of the pitcher, where they are digested.
• GUARANTEED! We guarantee LIVE arrival of your plant. ****DO NOT ORDER if below 40 degrees or above 85 degrees in your area. Our live arrival guaranty will be void if ordered during these temperatures. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING TEMPERATURES IN YOUR AREA to be sure your plant arrives alive.**** We ship this item via USPS (post office) within 4 business days.

Large Venus Fly Trap Plant

• Large Venus Fly Trap is growing in a 4 inch pot, similar to the pictures
• Keep moist at all times; rainwater or distilled water are preferred
• The insects it catches provide natural nourishment
• Select a sunny window for your Venus Flytrap
• Nature provides this remarkable plant with "traps" to lure and capture its food