Sarracenia - carnivorous plant!

Just like "Hotel California"
@Mike Allen

I've never noticed any pongs, in fact they stay remarkably fresh, could be down to the sphagnum moss.

 

Hi,
Some questions, general not specifically about this variety.
Do they catch bees, wasps and hover flies?
Can they be grown from seeds or is it best to buy a plant?
Are they easy to keep?
Which would be best for a first timer?
It's something I've thought about a long time and never got round to it.
Thanks
Rob

 

You need sphagnum moss, not the sort of moss that grows in grass. This sort of moss will rot quite quickly when used like this.

 

I use moss peat.
After a time sphagnum moss starts to grow on it anyway.

 

I have sphagnum moss growing in part of the lawn, as well as on the edge of the pond...

 

@RobB , I will leave it to the experts, esp. @NigelJ, to answer most of your questions.

I have failed to grow Venus fly-traps many times, and had heard that pitcher plants were easier, which is why I’m giving it a go...

 

Pitcher plants are in general hardier than venus fly trap, that might make them slightly easier if you don't have any winter heat.
Nepenthes are often referred to as pitcher plants but in general require a fair bit of warmth in winter.
Sarracenia can be grown from seed, I have grown them from seed I collected off my plants, but it's a slow process initially.
Most of the sarracenias are fairly easy given the right compost and lime free water and as much heat and light as possible in summer.

 

@RobB I would start with a Sarracenia plant. As Pete said these are hardier and easier to overwinter than Venus fly traps. Nepenthes are more specialist and many are tropical "climbers". Drosera (sundews) are easily grown from seed but tend to be deciduous. I have a few and need to get more seed to "top up".
Yes Bees, Wasps and hover flies can get trapped in the pitchers, but not many mainly smaller flies and such like get trapped. Pitcher plants can get greenfly which distort the young pitchers and earwigs can damage the pitchers. My pitchers often have a spider living under the lid with its web across the top.

 

I'd forgotten about those clever spiders

 

Thanks NJ,
I'll find one to try, maybe get some seed or a plant from ebay or a garden centre.
Rob

 

Hmmm, how addictive is this carnivorous plant malarkey?!!

 

Hi Sian, I've got it for Dianthus, Salvias, Irises and Lillies Aarrrrrgh

( Used to have over 150 different Fuchsias as well ).

 

Forgot to add, indoors Maranta/Calathea/Ctenanthe and Pelargoniums ........ double Aaaarrrrgh.