Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Hampshire Carnivorous Plants FAQ page. Here you’ll find answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked about growing and caring for carnivorous plants.
Watering
What water should I use for carnivorous plants?
Carnivorous plants should ideally be watered with rainwater. They are adapted to growing in nutrient-poor conditions and can be damaged by the minerals found in hard tap water.
Can I use tap water?
We do not recommend regularly using hard tap water. If you run short of rainwater, contact us for advice rather than risking valuable plants.
How should I water my plants?
Most bog-growing carnivorous plants, including Sarracenia, Venus flytraps and many sundews, can stand in a shallow tray of rainwater during the growing season.
Do carnivorous plants need less water in winter?
Yes. During winter dormancy, Sarracenia and Venus flytraps require less water. Keep the compost damp but avoid keeping dormant plants excessively wet.
Compost & Repotting
Can I use normal potting compost?
No. Ordinary multipurpose compost contains nutrients and fertilisers that can seriously damage or kill carnivorous plants.
What compost should I use?
Always use a specialist carnivorous plant compost suitable for the particular species you are growing.
When should I repot carnivorous plants?
The best time to repot most Sarracenia and Venus flytraps is during late winter or early spring, just before strong new growth begins.
Do carnivorous plants need feeding or fertiliser?
Generally, no. Outdoor plants catch more than enough insects naturally. Never add ordinary plant fertiliser to the compost unless you are following specialist advice for a particular species.
Venus Flytraps - Dionaea muscipula
Should I feed my Venus flytrap?
There is normally no need. A healthy Venus flytrap will catch its own insects.
Should I trigger the traps with my finger?
No. Closing a trap uses the plant’s energy. Leave the traps to do what they are designed to do — catch insects.
Why is my Venus flytrap turning black?
Individual traps naturally turn black and die as they get older. Simply remove dead growth when necessary. If the whole plant is deteriorating, check its water, light and growing conditions.
Does my Venus flytrap die in winter?
No. Venus flytraps are dormant during winter. Growth becomes much smaller and some leaves and traps will die back. This is completely normal.
Can I grow a Venus flytrap indoors?
They require very high light levels and a proper winter dormancy. A bright, sunny position is essential.
Sarracenia – North American Pitcher Plants
Can Sarracenia grow outside in the UK?
Yes. Most Sarracenia are excellent outdoor plants in the UK and benefit from plenty of sunshine and a natural winter dormancy.
Do Sarracenia need full sun?
Yes. Give them as much direct sunlight as possible. Strong light produces healthier growth and better pitcher colour.
Why are my Sarracenia pitchers going brown?
Older pitchers naturally die back, particularly towards winter. Brown or dead pitchers can be removed when necessary.
Should I cut my Sarracenia down in winter?
Old dead pitchers can be removed during the dormant period. Healthy green growth can be retained.
Sundews – Drosera
Why isn’t my sundew producing sticky dew?
The most common causes are insufficient light, unsuitable water or stress after being moved or repotted.
Do sundews need rainwater?
Yes. As with most carnivorous plants, rainwater is strongly recommended.
Can sundews live outside?
It depends on the species. Some Drosera are hardy and can be grown outdoors all year, while tropical and subtropical species require warmer conditions.
Nepenthes – Tropical Pitcher Plants
Can Nepenthes grow outside in the UK?
Generally not throughout the year. Nepenthes are tropical plants and require protection from cold temperatures.
Why isn’t my Nepenthes producing pitchers?
Insufficient light, low humidity, temperature changes or unsuitable growing conditions can prevent pitcher formation.
Should I put water inside Nepenthes pitchers?
Normally there is no need. Healthy pitchers produce their own digestive fluid.
Winter Care
Do carnivorous plants need protection from frost?
It depends entirely on the species. Sarracenia and Venus flytraps are hardy plants that require winter dormancy, whereas tropical plants such as Nepenthes need protection from cold weather.
My plant looks dead in winter. Should I throw it away?
No! Many hardy carnivorous plants look very different during winter dormancy. Wait for spring growth before assuming the plant has died.
Pests
Do carnivorous plants get pests?
Yes. Despite eating insects, carnivorous plants can still suffer from pests including aphids, thrips, scale insects and mealybugs.
What should I do if I find pests?
Correct identification is important before treatment. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, send us a clear photograph and we can help identify the problem.
Buying From Hampshire Carnivorous Plants
Are your plants suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. We stock plants ranging from easy-to-grow starter plants through to unusual cultivars for serious collectors.
Can I visit the nursery?
Yes. We hold Open Weekends throughout the year, when visitors can see the nursery and purchase plants directly from us. Check our website and social media for upcoming dates.
Do you sell plants online?
Yes. Our range of carnivorous plants and growing supplies is available through our online shop.
Can I contact you for growing advice?
Yes. We are always happy to help customers with genuine growing questions. If you have a problem with a plant, photographs are particularly useful.
Still Have a Question?
With decades of specialist experience growing carnivorous plants, Hampshire Carnivorous Plants is happy to help.
Browse our Growing Guides, visit us during an Open Weekend, or contact us for further advice.
