I live in Finland where we don't have much insects in winter, do I need to buy "livestock" for my carnivorous plant?
Garden & Landscape - 5 Answers
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1 :
yeah if they had alot fat in their body
2 :
They don't need insects. Just use any commercial fertilizer.
3 :
Yes they can get along without insects for a winter. They need them for nitrogen (among other things). To get the plants nitrogen you can use a liquid fertilizer (like Miracle Grow) mixed at 1/2 strength every other month during your long winters.
4 :
to the above two answers: carnivorous plants evolved in marshes and bog lands that are very poor in nitrogen in the floor. That's why the majority of carnivorous plants are unable to absorb nitrogen through their roots. They developed a mechanism to supply themselves with nitrogen from the only source around: animal proteins. Watering these plants with nitrogen fertilisers won't do them much good. Make sure the species of plant you have is CAPABLE of absorbing nitrates through the roots before you fertilise. Otherwise you might damage the roots.
5 :
First go to the following link to ascertain which type of carnivorous plant you have. Some require dormancy while others don't. http://www.cobraplant.com/cmd.php?af=385276 If you have a so-called tropical plant that dosen't require dormancy you can purchase freeze dried bloodworms to feed them. This is usually sold as a fish food. Never EVER use Miracle-Gro on your carnivorous plants. It will kill them. A mix of orchid food diluted 1/4 teaspoon to a gallon of water (liter) is good for foliar feeding, and then you must be careful not to let any soak into the soil. Only do this every month or so, and if you have sundews, (Drosera) they won't even tolerate this.
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