Garden Plants - Tropical Climate

Based on your climate and growing conditions, you can grow a wide variety of carnivorous plants outdoors. However, you might be limited to just tropical plants, or, as we call them on the Mainland, houseplants. These plants include:

Drosera: Tropical Sudews
Nepenthes
Tropical Butterworts

The main issue you may encounter is finding a location with appropriate lighting. The majority of tropical carnivorous plants prefer partial sun, a few hours of direct sunlight with dappled sun throughout the rest of the day. Just pay attention to leaf burn. Avoid the scorchig afternoon sun, and most importantly, avoid full shade. Lack of adequate lighting is the main cause of failure.

Because of their specific soil requirements, they grow best as container plants. You will also need to use water low in minerals.

Can I still grow Venus Flytraps and Sarracenia?

Flytraps and Sarracenia are cold-hardy perennials that need several months winter dormancy. Dormancy is that's triggered by a gradual drop in temperature and daylight hours. Many growers in tropical climates have trouble keeping flytraps alive more than a year because it's simply too warm in winter. Sarracenia will fare better, but they tend to lose vitality within a couple years or so. You can certainly grow these plants, but be aware of their need for cold frosty winters. We recommend growing the tropical varieties first as a way to acquaint yourself with carnivorous plants.