Carnivorous plants |
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Product infoDarlingtonia californica is a unique, carnivorous plant; the only species within its genus. Like other pitcher plants in the plant family Sarraceniaceae, it catches and digests insects in modified leaves holding liquid with special enzymes. This is to compensate the lack of nutrients in the soil of its natural habitat. The top end of the pitcher is bowed down so that the entrance of the pitcher is facing down. The upper end of the pitcher contains light penetrating windows in order to confuse the insects flying into the pitchers. The bifid appendages under the end of the pitcher serve most probably the same function, although this is not scientifically confirmed. The ‘Green and Red’ variety is unique because of the contrasting color pattern of the pitchers. From the base the plant is a bright green, sometimes with some hints of yellow. Gradually to the top, the color shifts to a deep burgundy, starting with a network of ‘veins’. In between the bright white to yellow windows, the burgundy color is most intense, as with the bifid appendages. The flowers of this plant are carried by relatively long flower stalks. Sepals are white to light green, where the petals are dark red. This plant is propagated by carefully dividing mature plants. Make sure that every division contains a healthy number of roots.
Plant careDarlingtonia californica requires special care to thrive. Originally this plant occurs in cool swampy areas in western parts of the USA. Cultivate this species between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. In winter, this species could go dormant by losing all its pitchers and hibernates as a rhizome in the ground. In spring the plant resprouts again. It is possible to grow this species outdoors for the main part of the year. Provide excellent ventilation when growing this species indoors. Place this plant under bright light conditions, direct sunlight is beneficial to its growth. Use a water retaining soil mixture that lacks any nutrients. The use of clean horticultural peat moss and sand is recommended. This species must always have wet to soggy conditions feeded by cool (ca. 10 degrees celsius), water without any dissolved minerals. Tap water is not suitable in most cases as it contains too many minerals. Never fertilize this plant. It is possible however, to ‘feed’ this plant caught insects, but not key for the health of the plant.
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