Carnivorous Plant Water You can not use tap water on most carnivorous plants. You must use reverse osmosis or rain water unless you want to purchase distilled "Sodium Free" water. Most carnivorous plants need pots with drainage holes sitting in a 1/4" to a 1/2" of water unless they are outdoor plants. Carnivorous plants left outside in bright light can generally take wetter conditions.
Carnivorous Plant SoilCarnivorous Plant soil must be nutrient free, potting soil kills carnivorous plants. Soil types are described in each specific section. Almost all carnivorous plants can get by in a 50/50 mix of Sphagnum Peat Moss and Perlite, though some can benefit from a soil designed specifically for that type of carnivorous plant. Dry Sphagnum Peat Moss in a bail is best, the pre-moistened type was moistened with tap water and can be derogatory. If a bail is to much for your needs we offer it in smaller bags, just click CP Soil from the list above.
Carnivorous Plant Light Most carnivorous plants need a lot of sun light. Grow your carnivorous plants outside when possible.
Fluorescent lighting can also be used to grow carnivorous plants. If fluorescent is the primary source of light use two 40 watt cool white 4' bulbs within 14" over the plant. An economical shop light works well for this. Put the light on a timer to go on and off with the sun. Most carnivorous plants are colorful when they are generally getting enough light. Deep red spots on leaves is generally a sign of to much light. Long stringy growth and lack of color means not enough light.
I have had good luck using the compact fluorescent light bulbs to grow carnivorous plants. Get the ones that say "Sunlight Bulb" or they have an orangeish hue to them. 75W output works well at 10" - 12" away. This works good for one or two carnivorous plants. You want the light shining down upon the carnivorous plant, not setting next to them.
Carnivorous Plant Humidity Contrary to common belief humidity is not that big of an issue for most of the carnivorous plants. Some Sundews and most Nepenthes need higher humidity, but even the vast majority of those are fine in 50%. Look in the appropriate carnivorous plant sections above for specific humidity information. If humidity is a concern you can grow carnivorous plants in fish bowls, set up a carnivorous plant terrarium or build a bog to grow them outside.
Carnivorous Plant Dormancy Some carnivorous plants need a dormancy period. If a plant has a dormancy requirement it must be adhered to or the plant will die. See the No Dormancy List for a partial list of carnivorous plants that do not go dormant.
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