Category: Carnivorous Plants – bug plants

Nepenthes carnivorous pitcher plant eats insects including ants, wasps, flies and similar size bugs. It sounds a bit gross but it actually its an interesting process that is unique to carnivorous plants and a great way to get rid of pests (mosquitos). There are many variations of pitcher plants and variations of Nepenthes bug plants but all have the same basic way of obtaining nutrient. They can eat just about any insect that slips its way into the pitcher from flies to roaches.

The process begins by the pitcher bug eating plants giving off a vibrant pitcher color that attracts the insects from far and as they get closer the pitchers have a nectar that further helps attract the insect. As the insect reaches the peristome (larger thick ring at top of pitcher) it goes to eat the nectar and becomes stuck to the pitcher. Inside the pitcher there is a slippery nectar which the bug begins to slip down. The upper section is called the conductive/ retentive zone and the lower section of the Nepenthes carnivorous pitcher plant is known as the digestive zone.

When the bug reaches the digestive zone in the bug plant, it begins to be broken down and digested the insect in the pitcher. The carnivorous plant takes anywhere from a week to two months to fully digest a bug. It is not difficult to notice where the pitcher zone difference is because there will be browning in this area especially if the pitcher has too many bugs.

Once in the digestive zone the Nepenthes pitcher walls give off enzymes which break down the insect to digest it. The bugs never digest one hundred percent to where there are no remains. You may always see bug parts in your Nepenthes pitcher plant until the life of the pitcher is over.

At this point the nutrients enters through the tendril which is the thin vine that connects to the pitcher plants leave. This is how carnivorous plant, Nepenthes pitcher plants, get all their nutrient from which is why it does not need plant food or fertilizer which most the time will end up harming and killing you carnivorous plant.

Growing a Nepenthes bug eating plant is not a difficult task but basic knowledge and tips are always helpful in order to have a healthy plant with beautiful looking pitchers. Some examples of lowland Nepenthes ate N. Alata (Yes, Adenuimrose Company has  them now in stock), N. Eymae, N.khasiana, N. mirabilis, N. ventricosa and many others. Here are basic helpful growing tips to achieve the healthiest lowland Nepenthes bug plant possible:

1. Light: Nepenthes, a pitcher plant, needs a few hours of bright 50%  sunlight. If the plant is kept indoors use a light with a wide spectrum and far enough away from the plant to avoid burning or overheating the plant.
2. Temperature: There are lowland and highland Nepenthes bug plants. Focusing on lowland Nepenthes carnivorous plant – they like warm and humid weather. They enjoy days around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit and nights between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area that has cold winters, during this time bring your carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plant indoors.
3. Planting Medium: Nepenthes enjoy a sphagnum moss, peat moss, and/or perlite mix. Make sure these don’t have any type of fertilizer or plant food. These plants enjoy there planting medium to be constantly moist – not dry. Bug eating plant Nepenthes should potted be in an easy draining pot so the plant does not drown. Make sure to rinse off all potting medium with distilled water to remove any chemicals since you Nepenthes does not like chemicals, fertilizer or plant food.
4. Food/Water: The pitcher plant Nepenthes eat insects. The “pitcher” should have water inside of them at all times. If outside, the carnivorous plant should not need any feeding because it will eat all insects that enter into its pitchers. Remember not to fertilize or add plant food to your carnivorous plant Nepenthes. All nutrients it needs will come from the insects. Fertilizers, plant food and other planting chemicals will harm your Nepenthes bug plant. If you keep your bug plant Nepenthes pticher plant indoors remember to occasionally add a few insects into its mature pitchers occasionally using tweezers.

Pitcher plants are great for beginners and seasoned bug eating plant collectors.  These are great beginner learning tips that should keep your Nepenthes alata bug eating plant looking glorious and healthy for many years. If you have any questions feel free to post below. Treat your carnivorous plant Nepenthes with love and it will give you beauty!