We began offering carnivorous plants recently at the garden center! They are aptly named “little pot of horrors”. Theyve been flying off the shelves (well, table, actually) and I told my own children about them. My 3 kids (all elementary age) were really interested in learning how a Venus Flytrap and pitcher plants work, and do they really catch flies and various small bugs. After having an in-depth conversation at the dinner table about the subject (on bug-eating plants; hey, we keep it real around here), I decided to purchase a “little pot of horrors” to teach the kids about these important plants.
Carnivorous plants require a little bit different care than other indoor plants, but they are SO COOL that they are worth the little-bit-o-extra TLC. So, lets learn how to care for these amazing plants, shall we!
Carnivorous plants like Venus Flytraps and sundews require specific care and conditions to thrive. One key consideration is selecting the right potting container. The material size, drainage and other factors play an important role in the plant’s growth and survival. This article will explore the ideal pots for raising vigorous carnivorous plants.
Why Pot Selection Matters
Carnivorous plants have adapted to nutrient-poor environments. They get nitrogen and other minerals from digesting insects, not the soil. As a result, standard potting soil with fertilizers will harm them. Their roots also demand constant moisture. The right potting setup enables growing conditions that meet the unique needs of these fascinating plants.
Best Materials for Carnivorous Plant Pots
The most suitable materials for carnivorous plant pots are:
- Plastic
- Glazed Ceramic
- Glass
- Acrylic
Plastic is the top choice as it provides insulation while not leaching any chemicals into the soil. Completely glazed ceramic pots also prevent mineral seepage. Glass and acrylic work as well.
Avoid any porous materials like terra cotta, concrete, or unglazed ceramic. These can release minerals over time that will accumulate and burn the sensitive carnivorous plant roots.
Proper Pot Size
Use a pot diameter proportional to the current size of your plant. Here are some general guidelines:
- Young Venus Flytraps or sundews – 3 to 4 inches
- Mature Venus Flytraps or sundews – 4 to 6 inches
- Pitcher plants – 4 inches
- Adult Venus Flytraps or sundews – 6 inches or greater
The pot should give room for some growth but not be oversized. Move the plant to a larger container once it outgrows the current pot. Oversized pots can hold too much moisture
Essential Drainage Holes
Excess water retention is detrimental to carnivorous plant roots. The pot must have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent soggy soil. Multiple holes provide better drainage than a single hole. Sitting water leads to rot and fungal issues.
For the same reason, avoid using a drainage tray or saucer under the pot. Allow water to fully exit the container
How Pot Color Impacts Temperature
Dark pots absorb and retain more heat than light colors. In hot outdoor conditions, choose white or light-colored containers. This protects the roots from getting too warm in intense sunlight.
Black and darker pots work well for indoor growing or moderate outdoor temperatures. Just provide some shade if placing black pots in very hot locations.
Hanging Pots Offer Advantages
Hanging pots are an excellent option for carnivorous plants. When hung, excess water readily drains out the bottom without pooling around the roots. The continuously airy soil prevents sogginess.
Ensure any hanging pot has adequate drainage holes. Water throughput is important for maintaining lightly moist, not saturated soil.
Planting and Repotting Guide
Follow this process when potting or repotting your carnivorous plants:
- Select a properly sized plastic, glazed ceramic, glass, or acrylic pot with drainage holes.
- For the growing medium only use a carnivorous plant soil mix, not standard potting soil.
- Moisten the soil before adding it to the pot. Dry soil draws moisture from plant roots.
- Carefully place the plant in the pot, with the proper soil depth for the particular species.
- Gently pack soil around the base and roots but don’t cover the crown.
- Water the potted plant with distilled water or rainwater until the soil is damp but not saturated.
- Transition and acclimate the repotted plant. Keep out of direct sun for a few days while it recovers from any stress.
- Repot annually in fresh soil to stimulate new growth.
Providing Proper Growing Conditions
Along with the right pot, carnivorous plants need rainwater or distilled water, 6+ hours of sunlight, high humidity, and insect prey. Maintain consistently moist soil. Give them these conditions and with the proper potting practices you’ll have amazing success raising your carnivorous plants!
Recommended Pots for Purchase
It’s possible to find good carnivorous plant pots in many gardening stores. However, these options available on Amazon consistently work very well:
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5 to 7 inch Plastic Pot Variety Pack – Affordable pots in ideal small to medium sizes.
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Hanging Plastic Planter with Drainage – 5 inch hanging pot perfect for Nepenthes pitcher plants.
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10 Pack 3 inch Square Plastic Pots – Great for starter Venus Flytraps and sundews.
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5 inch Glazed Ceramic Orchid Pot – Attractive glossy white ceramic pot with ventilation slits.
Follow the recommendations in this guide and you’ll be able to provide your fascinating carnivorous plants the best pots and care for vigorous growth. The right container and conditions will lead to huge rewards watching these captivating and unusual plants thrive!
If you re-pot yours (which you do not need to when you purchase, only if / when it outgrows its pot), use an approximately equal ratio of sphagnum peat moss and horticultural sand.
If you cannot find horticultural sand, playground sand will work fine, also, but avoid contractor sand and do not use beach sand ( we Middle Tennesseeers wouldnt usually first think to use beach sand, as we do not live anywhere near a coast, but we wanted to mention it just in case anyone was saving some from a beach vacation (!)). Be sure to check the peat moss for “sphagnum”. Other types of peat moss (such as sedge) will not work. Regular potting soil does not work because of the minerals and fertilizers in it- it will eventually kill your carnivorous plant. In nature, carnivorous plants are found in soils that are less than desirable- you are re-creating this natural environment for them through the sphagnum peat moss and horticultural sand.
They need to be planted in plastic pots or completely glazed pots.
The carnivorous plants we are offering are in small plastic pots. If you want to re-pot yours, use another plastic pot or a completely glazed one. Many glazed pots are glazed on the outside but not the inside. That wont work for carnivorous plants- its all (glazed) or nothin for them, but plastic is absolute best. Terra-cotta pots are a no-no also. The pot should have at least one hole in the bottom. The size of the pot should be proportional to the plant. Small to medium-sized Venus Flytraps will grow well in a 3″ pot, but large or extra-large plants will need a 4″ or 6″ pot. Most pitcher plants will do fine in a 4″ pot.
What Are The Best Pots To Use? – Carnivorous Plants
FAQ
What should carnivorous plants be planted in?
Garden soil is not suitable for carnivorous plants. The preferred media for most are live sphagnum moss, dried long-fiber sphagnum moss, or a mix of about three parts peat moss to one part clean, sharp sand.
Do self-watering pots work for carnivorous plants?
A: Because self-watering pots do water from the bottom by wicking up water through a string, they should work fine for your plants.
Are clay pots good for Venus Flytraps?
No, clay pots are generally not recommended for Venus flytraps. While they can be breathable and help with moisture regulation, the porous nature of clay can cause issues with mineral leaching into the soil, potentially harming the plant over time.
Can carnivorous plants be potted together?
Most carnivorous plants are relatively small and slow growing, so won’t take up much room or spread too far. They are ideal for growing in containers, both indoors and out, and can be planted together to create an impressive, intriguing and varied collection.