Types
Carnivorous plants: what species are there?
There are over 700 described species of carnivorous plants, spread across all continents except Antarctica. From sundews found in the wild in Belgium and the Netherlands to exotic pitcher plants: each has its own trapping method. There might even be more species, as the number of species also depends somewhat on how scientists classify them, and new species are continuously being discovered! Because they occur all over the world, there are species for indoors and outdoors that require different environments, but often have similar care requirements such as nutrient-poor soil and plenty of light.
Beginner Plants Don't know which species suits you? In our category for beginners, you'll find easy-to-care-for species for indoors or outdoors, supplied with helpful care tips.
The most important species
This carnivorous plant catches insects like flies using its specialized leaves, which are shaped like pitchers. Prey is often attracted by the bright colors and nectar on the pitchers. However, the opening of the pitcher is very slippery for the insects' feet, preventing them from gaining a grip and causing them to fall into the pitcher. Once inside, small downward-pointing hairs prevent the insect from escaping the pitcher, and it is eventually trapped.
Most Sarracenia are perfectly hardy in our climate and an excellent fly catcher. The care of Sarracenia is also quite easy. Well-known species include S. leucophylla (white) and S. flava (green or red).
The sundew catches insects with a sticky substance on its leaves, also known as a sticky trap. The most famous species is Drosera capensis (Cape sundew), where the leaf completely rolls around the prey.
The capensis is a truly beginner-friendly plant that can easily grow indoors. There are also species native to Belgium and the Netherlands! Because sundews occur all over the world, the location varies by species.
Undoubtedly the most famous and one of the most impressive carnivorous plants. Even Charles Darwin was impressed by this plant! This plant catches insects by means of a snap trap. On each side of the trap there are 3 trigger hairs. If a trigger hair is touched twice within 20 seconds, the trap closes. But if a trigger hair is only touched once, the trap does not close. You could therefore say that this is a plant that can count! The plant can also sense when it has caught something, so that if it has missed, it can quickly reopen.
Also hardy in our climate, but only in large pots. Avoid activating the traps unnecessarily: this costs the plant energy.
This plant also has a pitcher trap, but with this carnivorous plant, the leaf is shaped like a cobra. The bottom of the pitchers has an opening through which the insect can enter. On the top of the pitchers of this plant, there are white windows that let in light, disorienting the prey and leading to its capture. This trapping method is also used by Sarracenia minor and Sarracenia psittacina.
A particularly spectacular plant with a unique trapping method also found in some Sarracenia species.
A pitcher plant from Australia where the pitcher is filled with fluids that the plant produces itself. Compact and fascinating, but requires a little more attention than other species.
Not recommended as a first carnivorous plant, but an absolute eye-catcher for the experienced enthusiast.
