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Carnivorous Plants (General)
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water only. Carnivorous plants are adapted to bog habitats, where rain constantly flushes away minerals. Tap water usually contains salts and chemicals that will damage the roots over time. Keep soil moist at all times; the tray method (pots sitting in 0.5–1” of water) is a simple way to ensure steady watering.
Light: Full sunlight. Because the soil of carnivorous plants is nutrient-poor, sunlight is essential for healthy growth. Most species need several hours of direct sun each day, or strong artificial light if grown indoors. Grow lights set for 12–14 hours daily are recommended when natural sun is not available.
Soil/Substrate: Poor, acidic soil. A standard mix is peat moss blended with perlite or silica sand. Never use regular potting soil, compost, or fertilizers, as they will burn the roots- carnivorous plants evolved to capture insects because their soils lack nutrients.
Containers: Plastic pots with drainage holes are a good choice, as they resist mineral buildup. Trays, dish gardens, or bog bowls also work, provided airflow prevents stagnation. Wide, shallow containers can be used to group plants together, mimicking natural bogs and making watering easier.
Dormancy: Temperate species (such as Venus flytraps and Sarracenia) require a winter rest. Shorter days and cooler nights signal them to slow down, with leaves dying back. This is normal. Keep plants cold but not frozen, around 35–50°F, for 2–3 months. Without dormancy, they weaken and eventually die. Tropical species (such as Nepenthes and Mexican Pinguicula) do not require dormancy and should be kept warm year-round.
Venus Flytraps, Sundews, & Sarracenia
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water only. Keep soil consistently moist. Tray method (pots sitting in 0.5–1” of water) works well.
Light:Â Full sun outdoors (6+ hours) or strong grow lights indoors. Without enough light, leaves will be weak and "leggy".
Soil:Â Nutrient-free peat moss mixed with perlite or sand (1:1). Never use fertilizer or potting soil. Our Classic Bog Soil Mix is a solid choice!
Dormancy: These temperate species need a winter dormancy (3–4 months at 35–50°F). Growth slows, and old leaves die back- this is normal.
Pinguicula
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water only. Keep soil moist during active growth. Tray method (pots sitting in 0.5–1” of water) works well.
Light:Â Bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill or grow lights are ideal. Too little light = pale leaves with weak growth.
Soil:Â Mexican species prefer airy, mineral-based mixes (sand, perlite, vermiculite, pumice, crushed lava rock with peat). Low-organic, rocky soil prevents rot during drier winter growth. Our Pinguicula Soil Mix is an excellent choice for Mexican Pings!
Temperate species prefer a wetter, peat/sand mix.
Dormancy: Many species (especially Mexican pings) form succulent leaves in winter- at that stage, reduce watering so the soil just barely dries between waterings.
Containers:Â Plastic pots with good drainage are a solid choice.
Many growers create “ping gardens”- wide, shallow containers planted with multiple Pinguicula together, often topped with lava rock and moss. This allows for easy watering, a natural look, and better humidity around the plants. Pings adapt well to terrariums or open dish gardens, as long as airflow is provided and soil does not become stagnant.
Aquatic Utricularia
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water only. Utricularia thrives in slightly acidic conditions (pH 5–7). Avoid nutrient-rich or dirty water, which can smother it.
Light: 8–12 hours under grow lights/aquarium light or full sun outdoors. Bright light is essential.
Feeding:Â Tiny bladder traps capture microorganisms naturally if grown in outdoor tubs or ponds with micro-life. Indoors, you may need to add infusoria / pond water / live food cultures.
Water Temperature: Temperate species (like U. inflata, U. macrorhiza) prefer 50–75°F. They can handle cool water and even brief freezing when dormant outdoors.
Tropical species (like U. gibba) prefer 70–82°F. Stable warm conditions keep them actively growing.
Dormancy: Temperate aquatic species form small, compact buds called turions as days shorten and water cools. These buds sink to the bottom and remain dormant through winter, sprouting again in spring when temperatures rise. Do not discard turions when cleaning tanks or ponds, as they are the plant’s method of overwintering.
Tropical aquatic species generally do not form turions and should be kept warm year-round.
Aquatic Plants (General)
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water for sensitive species.
Light: 8–10 hours of bright, full-spectrum aquarium/grow lighting daily for most species. Outdoor growth is also possible under full or partial sun as long as water temperature stays within the appropriate range.
Water Temperature: Most tropical aquatic plants thrive at 72–82°F. Temperate species tolerate cooler water, sometimes down into the 50s°F.
Soil/Substrate: Rooted plants (Amazon swords, Cryptocoryne) prefer nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
Epiphytes (Anubias, Java fern, Bucephalandra) prefer to be attached to rocks or wood, never bury the rhizomes.
Floating plants (duckweed, water lettuce, salvinia) absorb nutrients from water; prune regularly to prevent shading.
Fertilizer: Use aquarium-safe root tabs or liquid fertilizer for strong growth, especially in fish-free aquariums. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent algae.
Tropical Plants / Aroids (General)
Water: Distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water is recommended but not mandatory. Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering. Avoid waterlogged conditions; use pots with drainage holes.
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Some species tolerate medium light, but growth and variegation may be reduced.
Humidity: 40–80%. Thin-leaved or rare species often need higher humidity to thrive.
Soil: A chunky, well-draining “aroid mix”- peat or coco coir with orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, and sphagnum moss. This mimics the airy, organic soils they grow in naturally. Our Monstera & Aroid Soil Mix is an excellent option!
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in the growing season (spring–summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter. Worm castings or other soil amendments are also an option.
Temperature: Keep above 60°F. Most thrive best between 70–85°F.
Support: Many aroids are natural climbers- provide a moss pole, trellis, or stake to encourage larger, mature leaves.