New to Carnivorous Plants?

They are much easier to grow than you might think! Follow our straightforward, no-nonsense tips, and you’ll be on your way to successful growing.

  Getting Started: The Basics     

The most important thing to remember is that carnivorous plants are just plants! Like your favorite flowers, they depend on sunlight, water, and the right soil to thrive.

• Enjoy gardening?: If you already tend to vegetables or flowers in the summer, you’ll find Sarracenia and Venus Flytraps a breeze to grow!
• Already grow houseplants?: For those who enjoy orchids, aroids, and other common houseplants, Nepenthes and tropical sundews will fit right into your home.

High humidity and terrariums are not required!

  What Makes Them Special?     

The only real difference between these and "regular" plants is how they get their "vitamins" or fertilizer (think nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Because they naturally live in nutrient-poor soil, they evolved intricate leaves to trap insects for a boost!

The Golden Rules for Success:

• Special Soil: They need a growing medium that is acidic and free of minerals.
• Pure Water: Use water low in minerals to keep their roots happy and healthy.
• Plenty of Light: Sunlight is their main source of energy!

Some Common Questions

  Will they hurt me or my pets?     

Not at all! Carnivorous plants are completely safe and won’t attack people or pets. If a curious pet tries to take a nibble, they’ll likely find the leaves very bitter and leave them alone after that. We haven't seen any cases of pets getting hurt from a little taste-test!

  Will they clear out the bugs in my house?     

Think of them as "cool-looking plants that happen to use bugs as vitamins" rather than a replacement for flypaper or other insect traps you might find at your local garden center or hardware store. While they love a snack, they won't rid your home of insects any more than a standard trap would. But, if you're an avid gardener and love growing plants, you will find carnivorous plants a wonderful addition to your plant collection.

  What if I don't have many bugs?     

Don't worry! Bugs are like "tiny packets of vitamins" for them. Your plants can survive just fine with very few insects, as long as they have plenty of sunlight and water.

  Can I grow a Venus flytrap indoors?     

While you can try, Venus Flytraps are actually cold-hardy, outdoor perennials native to North Carolina! They love basking in the full summer sun and need a chilly winter dormancy to stay healthy. If you want a plant for your desk or living room, we highly recommend one of our tropical plants instead!

We're Here to Help!

We want you to succeed and enjoy these fascinating plants as much as we do. If you have questions, we have plenty of resources for you:

• Care Guides: Quick information on the go!
• Video Playlists: Perfect for visual learners!
• Digital Downloads: Get all the info you need to get started.
• Ask the Growers: Still stuck? Submit your questions to us directly—we’ve helped thousands of growers worldwide and would love to help you too!

Ready to Get Started?

Answer a few questions, and you'll get our expert recommendations for plants best suited for your growing conditions.

Do you want carnivorous plants for your home or garden?