You have just received your new carnivorous plants and it is possible that they have suffered a little stress during their trip in the box, with closed traps, or that they have blackened, or that some mucilage is missing.
In this guide for beginners, I will show you how to grow and care for your carnivorous plants, such as Drosera , Sarracenia or the formidable Dionaea muscipula , also known as Venus flytrap, so that they acclimatize easily and prosper.
1. Ideal Location:
To promote gentle acclimatization of your carnivorous plants, including species such as Drosera, Sarracenia, and Dionaea muscipula (Dionea flytrap), place them in a partially shaded location, avoiding direct exposure to the sun, especially during periods of high heat. After a few weeks, when your carnivorous plants have properly acclimatized, you can consider moving them to other areas of your garden in full sun or near a south-facing window for optimal exposure to light.
2. The Importance of Water:
Water is an essential element in the care of your carnivorous plants, such as Drosera, Sarracenia, and Dionaea muscipula (Dionaea flytrap). Here are some important tips:
- Quantity of Water: Always make sure to maintain approximately 3 to 4 cm of water in a saucer or container under the pots of your carnivorous plants. In periods of intense heat, do not hesitate to increase the water level to half the pot to ensure sufficient hydration.
- Choice of Water: It is crucial to use quality water for watering, because carnivorous plants are very sensitive to water quality. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain minerals that are harmful to them and may cause them to die over time. Instead, choose rainwater, reverse osmosis water, demineralized water or even “Zerowater” filtered water to preserve their health.
By taking care to provide your carnivorous plants with a source of quality water, you will greatly contribute to their well-being and development. They are extremely sensitive to water, and by following my recommendations, you ensure that you provide them with the ideal conditions to thrive.
3. Winter Period:
When winter arrives, your carnivorous plants, including Drosera, Sarracenia, and Dionaea muscipula, enter a resting period. This results in a reduction in leaf production and the fall of leaves that have become brown like the urns of Sarracenia or black with Venus flytraps. Some species even create a hibernacula similar to a small igloo. Rest assured, they will resume growth in spring.
During this time, here is what you can do to take care of your carnivorous plants:
- Watering: Make sure the substrate always remains moist. You can maintain watering by capillary action by placing the pots in a container or saucer of water.
- Protection against Frost: If your carnivorous plants are in small pots, be sure to protect them from winter frosts. Carnivorous plants generally resist frost well, especially when grown in large pots or in the ground, such as in an artificial peat bog. However, certain precautions are still necessary to ensure their survival during the colder months. You can leave them outside even when the nights are cold, but it is essential to monitor the temperatures. Make sure temperatures rise above freezing during the day to avoid any root damage from frost. If temperatures become excessively cold, with persistent subzero temperatures, consider temporarily moving your carnivorous plants to a more sheltered location, such as a cold greenhouse or unheated conservatory.
By taking these precautions during the winter period, you will offer your carnivorous plants the necessary conditions to cultivate them successfully so that they can pass this rest period in complete safety and resume their growth in spring with vigor, they will thank you for a beautiful flowering!
4. Repotting:
Repotting Timing: The ideal is to repot your carnivorous plants at the beginning of spring, when growth resumes after the winter period. However, if you notice that your plants have become too cramped in their current pot or if their substrate is altered or in an emergency simply like pests, you can carry out a repotting at any time of the year. In this case, make sure to keep them in a stable environment for about a month after repotting to minimize stress away from extreme conditions like extreme heat, wind or cold. Take the opportunity to trim and remove the urns and dried leaves from your plants for cleaning.
Choice of Substrate: The substrate you use is crucial for the well-being of your carnivorous plants. Prepare a mixture composed of 50% blond sphagnum peat and 50% perlite and/or non-calcareous sand. This substrate ensures optimal drainage while maintaining the humidity necessary for your carnivorous plants. You can also use live sphagnum moss, be careful to make sure it is not the moss found in the forest. Make sure the substrate is well moistened before repotting your carnivorous plants, and that's it!
Conclusion: By following these simple tips, you will be able to cultivate your carnivorous plants, such as Drosera, Sarracenia or Dionaea muscipula, and see them flourish in their new environment. If you have any questions or need help purchasing carnivorous plants, don't hesitate to send me a photo of your carnivorous plants on WhatsApp 
+33 7 81 32 74 74 or contact me , I will be happy to help you.