Sarracenia (Pitcher Plant)

Sarracenia are hardy, beginner-friendly carnivorous plants that are easy to grow when given the right conditions.

Black outlined sun icon with rays on a white background

Light

Full sun is best. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for strong, healthy pitchers.

Black line drawing of a water droplet sitting on a small oval base

Water

Keep your plant sitting in a tray of water at all times. Use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water—tap water can harm them over time.

Black line icon of a potted plant with leaves growing from a pot

Soil

Use a nutrient-poor mix like sphagnum moss or a carnivorous plant mix. Do not use regular potting soil.


Simple black line drawing of a plant with four leaves in a pot outline

Feeding

No need to feed them—your plant will catch its own insects outdoors.

4 black-outlined square icons: sun, leaf, flower, and starburst in a 2x2 grid

Dormancy (Winter)

Sarracenia naturally go dormant in winter. Growth will slow or die back—this is normal. Keep them cool and just damp until spring.

Outlined light bulb icon with glowing lines, black on white background

Top Tip

More sun = better colour and stronger pitchers!

Venus Flytrap

Venus flytraps are one of the most popular carnivorous plants and are easy to grow with the right setup.

Black sun icon with rays on a white background

Light

Full sun is best. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong, healthy traps.

Black line drawing of a water droplet over an oval ripple

Water

Keep your plant sitting in a shallow tray of water. Always use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water—tap water can harm them.

Minimal black line icon of a potted plant with leaves and stems.

Soil

Use a nutrient-poor mix like sphagnum moss or a carnivorous plant mix. Never use regular potting soil.


Minimal black line drawing of a leafy plant sprouting from a horizontal line

Feeding

No need to feed them—they will catch their own insects. Avoid triggering the traps for fun, as this can weaken the plant.

Simple black-and-white 2x2 grid of icons: sun, leaf, flower, and snowflake.

Dormancy (Winter)

Flytraps need a winter rest period. Growth will slow and some leaves may die back—this is normal. Keep them cool and just damp until spring.

Outlined light bulb with rays, representing an idea or innovation.

Top Tip

Healthy traps should close quickly—slow or weak traps usually mean the plant needs more sunlight.

Sundews (Drosera)

Sundews are beautiful, sticky carnivorous plants that are surprisingly easy to grow.Light:Bright light to full sun is best. The more light they get, the more vibrant and “dewy” they’ll be.

Black line drawing of a water droplet with a small curved smile above an oval base

Water

Keep your plant sitting in a tray of water at all times. Always use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water—tap water can damage them.

Black line icon of a potted plant with leaves and sprouting stems

Soil

Use a nutrient-poor mix such as sphagnum moss or a carnivorous plant mix. Avoid regular potting soil.

Black outline icon of three water droplets with a percent sign above them

Humidity

They enjoy moderate humidity but are generally adaptable in most home environments.


Minimal black line drawing of a sprouting plant with leaves on a stem above a horizontal line

Feeding

No need to feed them—sundews will catch their own insects.

Four black-outlined square icons: sun, leaf, flower, and snowflake.

Dormancy

Some sundews go dormant in winter, while others grow year-round—this depends on the variety.

Black outline light bulb icon with rays, symbolizing a bright idea or innovation

Top Tip

If your plant loses its sticky “dew,” it usually needs more light or better water quality.

Pinguicula (Butterworts / “Pings”)

Pinguicula are compact, sticky carnivorous plants that are great for beginners and perfect for small spaces.

Black outlined sun icon with rays on a white background

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Some gentle morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh midday sun.

Black line drawing of a water droplet with a small circle and oval base underneath

Water

Keep sitting in a shallow tray of water during active growth. Use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water only.

Black line icon of a potted plant with leaves and stems on a white background

Soil

Use a well-draining, mineral-based carnivorous mix (often containing sand or perlite). Avoid regular potting soil.


Simple black line icon of a leafy plant growing from a horizontal line

Feeding

They’ll catch small insects like fungus gnats on their sticky leaves—no need to feed them.

Four black-outlined square icons: sun, leaf, flower, and snowflake symbols.

Seasonal Change

Many pings change in winter, forming a tighter, non-sticky succulent rosette. During this time, reduce watering and keep just lightly moist.

Outlined light bulb icon with rays, representing an idea or energy.

Top Tip

If leaves start turning mushy, it’s usually too much water or not enough airflow.

Tillandsia (Air Plants)

Tillandsias are low-maintenance and don’t need soil, making them perfect for beginners.

Black outlined sun icon with rays on a white background

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. A spot near a window with good airflow works best. Avoid harsh, direct midday sun.

Black line drawing of a smiling water droplet above an oval base

Water

Soak your plant in room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes once or twice a week, depending on your environment. Shake off excess water and allow it to fully dry upside down.

Black line wind symbol with three gusts and small dots on a white background

Airflow

Good airflow is important to prevent rot—don’t keep them in closed or damp spaces.


Black thermometer icon with temperature lines, indicating heat or temperature measurement

Temperature

They prefer mild temperatures and don’t tolerate frost.

Black line icon of a leafy plant growing from a small base

Feeding

Optional—use a diluted air plant fertiliser occasionally during warmer months.

Black outline light bulb icon with small rays around it on a white background

Top Tip

If your air plant looks dry or curled, it likely needs more frequent watering!