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The Secret Life of Carnivorous Plants

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Carnivorous plants do exist, and they exist on every continent in the world except Antarctica. A carnivorous plant is a plant that receives most of its nutrients by consuming animals or insects.

Carnivorous plants are not the most commonly discussed plants, and many people don’t even know that they truly do exist. The following information will help you learn more about carnivorous plants and give you insight into their truly unique world.

 Carnivorous plants come in two main groups.

The Venus Flytrap, pitcher plants, and Waterwheel are three of the most popular carnivorous plants, but there are over 600 types of carnivorous plants in the world, and every single of one of them can be placed in one of two groups. These groups are based on the plant’s trapping technique. There are passive trap carnivorous plants, in which the plant receives its food by having an animal or insect get stuck to it or fall into its digestive system. And then there are active trap carnivorous plants, in which the plant actively locates its pretty in order to eat it.

 Carnivorous plants have five basic trapping techniques.

In order to survive, carnivorous plants receive most of their nutrients from animals and insects, and in order to get these nutrients, they need to trap their prey. There are five basic types of trapping mechanisms that carnivorous plants use. The first is known as a pitfall trap, in which prey is trapped in a rolled leaf and then consumed. The second trap is known as a lobster-pot trap, in which the prey is forced to move towards a plant’s digestive organ. The third trap is known as a flypaper trap, in which a plant emits a sticky substance that will trap any small animal or insect that lands on it. The fourth trap is known as a bladder trap, in which a plant has an internal vacuum-like organ that sucks prey down into its digestive system. The fifth and final trap is known as snap trap, in which plants rapidly move their leaves in order to stun or kill their prey.

 Carnivorous plants prefer nutrient dense soil.

The majority of carnivorous plants can be found in nutrient-dense soil. Most of the plants prefer to live in soggy soil, preferably near bogs. But there are some that also prefer warmer and drier areas and can be found near deserts.

 Carnivorous plants will not eat humans.

As children we always heard about man-eating plants, but carnivorous plants will not eat humans, so have no fear. For the most part, most carnivorous plants rely on small insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. If a carnivorous plant is located near water, it may eat small fish or frogs. On the rare occasion, some carnivorous plants have also been known to eat birds. But carnivorous plants pose absolutely no threat to humans, so you don’t have to fear for your life if you come across one.

 Most people don’t know much about carnivorous plants, but they truly are an amazing species. If you ever have the chance, you should try and watch a carnivorous plant in action. It truly is a sight to see.

Mariana S works for Franklin Pest Control, Indiana’s trusted exterminators.






Growing Cattleya Orchids as House Plants

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Growing Cattleya Orchids as House Plants

Are you planning on growing orchids in your backyard or in a green house?  Why not choose the Cattleya ?  They are very easy to grow. However, if you decide on planting them in your window sill, you may find that very challenging.

What are cattleyas?

Cattleyas are beautiful orchids with large, attractive flowers which sometimes carry a fragrance. Their flowers vary in color and pattern and the size can measure as much as 8 inches across. There are numerous species. In wildlife, cattleyas grow high on trees in the forests. They have thick roots which attach the plants firmly to the tree. Being exposed to the elements, the roots are able to tolerate the long periods when there is no rain. Because they vary in size from small (suitable for window sills) to large; growing more than 4 ft. tall, you might want to choose carefully if you plan on growing them inside.  They love light, so you wouldn’t want a plant that takes up all your window space, would you?

Light

Cattleya orchids flourish in bright light. The condition of the leaves is an indication of whether or not your cattleya plants are getting the right amount of water. Leaves that are firm and have an apple green colors mean that the plants are getting the right amount of light.  Hard, yellow or brown colored leaves suggest too much light, while limp, dark green leaves is an indication of inadequate amount of light, which can also cause the plant not to flower.

If you keep your Cattleya on your patio in summer, they will thrive. If indoors, place them in an area near to windows on the eastern or western side.  If they are outside, it is important that you shield them from the hot, noonday sun.

Water

Cattleyas grow from underground rhizome. During spring new bulbs appear. Cattleyas need lots of water during the growing season, but the bulbs should not be allowed to stay in the water.  As soon as the flowers begin to appear in the sheaths, reduce the water.  Too much water in the sheaths will cause the young flowers to rot.

Blooming

Most Cattleyas normally bloom once each year, some twice.  Flowers will stay between 1-3 weeks.  Once the first flower appears, the plants must be removed from the direct sun so that the bloom will last longer.  The flower buds will not develop unless the plant gets direct sunlight and cool temperatures in the evening.

 

Temperatures

Cattleyas don’t need specific temperatures to grow. They thrive best in temperatures ranging from 55 degrees in the nights to 90 degrees throughout the day.  During winter, the bloom cycle will start when evening temperatures are at 55 degrees or lower. They also need ample humidity and proper air circulation throughout the months of winter too.

 

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Cattleyas each week with weak fertilizer made for orchids.

 

Potting and Repotting

Repotting of cattleyas can be stressful for the plant, so they will take a season to improve. Therefore, repotting should only be done when necessary.  Cattleyas flourish best in most orchid mixes including clay pellets, pink bark, charcoal, perlite and any medium which drains well.  If you are repotting a Cattleya, ensure there is adequate space for the rhizome to produce a minimum of two bulbs.  The ideal repotting period is spring; that’s when the growing season begins.

Lucas Barnes writes for Plantdex, learn more about growing cattleya orchids.

Seven Beginners Tips For Growing Delicious Tomatoes

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Thanks to the delicious and simple nature of home grown tomatoes, they are a popular choice for those attempting to grow vegetables for the first time. Though the activity isn’t particularly complicated, it does require care and patience. And if you’ve never grown vegetables before, it also requires that you educate yourself on a few tomato growing basics. Here are seven beginners tips for successful tomato growing.

Choose the Right Tomatoes

The first step towards growing delicious tomatoes is of course planting the right seeds. Don’t blindly head into your local garden store looking for tomato seeds, do your research on the different types available. Different tomatoes not only have different tastes, they also require different conditions to flourish.

Leave Ample Space

One of the most common beginners mistakes when it comes to growing tomatoes is failing to provide sufficient space. If you plan on growing your tomatoes upright, you should aim to leave approximately two feet between each plant. If you plan on growing your tomatoes along the ground however, four feet between each plant is more suitable.

Provide Ample Sunlight

Another absolute requirement of successful tomato growing is sunlight. Tomato plants require a minimum of seven hours direct sunlight each day. If you attempt to grow tomatoes in an area that doesn’t meet this requirement, you’re going to be left with lots of foliage but very little fruit. The production of fruit is an energy intensive process for plants and that energy comes from the sun.

Don’t Plant More Than You Need

Don’t underestimate just how many tomatoes can be harvested from a single tree. If you plant more than one tree for each person in your family, you can expect a lot of waste. And that figure includes a few free tomato flavoured gifts for your neighbours. It’s also worth noting that the more tomatoes you plant, the more maintenance your tomato patch is going to require.

Use Fertilizer, in Moderation

If you want fast results, fertilizer is very much recommended but it must be used in moderation. If you use more than the recommended amount, your tomatoes might grow faster but in turn, they’ll be far more prone to disease. It’s also important to choose your fertilizer carefully. You should limit your search to those which have been specifically designed for use on tomato plants.

Keep an Eye on Water Levels

Even more important than fertilizer is ample water. If rain has been a little scarce of late, you need to get the hose out. Tomatoes need calcium to grow and they get that calcium by absorbing water from the ground. A lack of water therefore leads to a lack of calcium and a corresponding lack of tasty tomatoes.

Don’t Pick Too Soon 

Finally, a common trait among tomato growing beginners is a distinct lack of patience. If you want to enjoy beautiful home grown tomatoes you can’t pick them too early. Tomatoes are generally ready to enjoy between sixty and eighty five days after planting. Ripeness is indicated by both an even, all round colour and a slight tenderness. If your tomatoes are hard to the touch, you need to keep waiting.

Jamie Kirk is a writer, and occasionally writes on cheap conservatory across UK. He recommends comparing stunning conservatory prices by clicking on the mentioned link.

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