Complete Guide to Watering Carnivorous Plants: Methods and Tips
Carnivorous plants, such as Drosera, Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and Sarracenia, are wonders of nature that have evolved to attract, capture and digest insects. But to keep them in great shape, the choice of water, the watering method, and the environment play an essential role. In this article, I will explain to you how to properly water your carnivorous plants.
Capillary Watering
Capillary watering is a method that simulates the natural conditions in which these plants grow. It consists of pouring water into a saucer or tray under the pot with a certain height of water, allowing the water to rise by capillary action in the substrate, thus providing constant and controlled humidity. This method is particularly effective for keeping the substrate moist.
Surface watering is also only possible, if you have carnivorous plants with a mixture of blond peat and perlite, the perlite risks rising to the surface, avoid watering the leaves, watering from below is preferred .
Tips for watering carnivorous plants by capillary action
Adjust according to climatic conditions: In summer, during high heat, do not hesitate to increase the water level, or even immerse half of the pot if necessary. Some species, such as Drosera rotundifolia or Sarracenia purpurea, even like water to reach the surface of the substrate.
Water management in winter
In winter, water management for carnivorous plants requires special attention. It is common to read that you need to remove the water in winter, but this depends on several factors. If you have carnivorous plants outdoors in large containers, you can leave some water, but be careful not to put it in large quantities. Just make sure the substrate remains slightly damp. However, watch the weather carefully. If freezing temperatures are forecast for several days, avoid leaving standing water, especially for small pots, as this could freeze the roots.
It is important to note that carnivorous plants in their natural environment have their feet in water both summer and winter, and if your plants are well acclimatized, a night of frost will generally not harm them, particularly for Sarracenia or Dionaea which can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C for Sarracenia and -7°C for Dionaea muscipula depending on their container.
If you are growing your plants in a greenhouse or conservatory, make sure you have good airflow. Air quality is important in winter, especially if you leave water in your saucers or trays. The risk of mold, root rot due to excess humidity or pests should not be neglected. Ventilate well in the morning in winter.
As for your indoor plants, it is best to remove the water from your saucers. Return your plants to their containers for 15 to 30 minutes, then remove them. This will be perfect for keeping a well-soaked substrate.
