Question
Carnivorous Creations
I live in Rockford, IL. Last November a friend gave me the Carnivorous Creations kit by DuneCraft as a birthday gift. I was planning on moving here from Texas, so I didn't even open the box until late April or May. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the kit, but it came with two seed packets: one to refrigerate and one to plant directly in the terrarium. I followed all of the instructions and the refrigerated pack was planted in late June. Now I have a variety of tiny seedlings and the research I've done suggests that the terrarium that came in the kit is not optimum for the plants. Also, the flytraps and what I suspect is a pitcher plant of some kind are all very close together. Some of the seedlings are as little as 1/4" across. Should I move them, spread them out, or just leave them alone? They haven't appeared to change size since early September. I was growing them outside but brought them in two weeks ago when we started getting 40 and 50 degree nights. I was afraid that the young plants were too delicate to experience fall or winter so soon after germination. The plants are so tiny I can't get a good picture, but I'd love some direction to images of young plants so that I might be able to identify them. The kit is supposed to include seeds for Venus Fly Trap, Yellow Trumpet, Hooded Pitcher Plant, Purple Pitcher Plant, Pale Trumpet, Temperate Sundew Plants, and Cobra Lillies. I have three distinctly different leaf types, one of which is obviously flytrap. Thank you very much for any advice you are willing to offer.
AnswerHi Rebecca,
Congratulations on your research on how to care for these plants! Yes, terrariums are not appropriate for these plants and can lead to an early die off from fungal infection. In general we don't recommend seeds for first-time growers because it takes a long time to germinate the seeds. Seedlings grow very slowly and are temperamental. They will also remain small for the first two years and reach maturity in 3-5 years. I have to say that of all the folks that wrote to us about Dune Craft, you're the first that actually got the seeds to germinate!
You're right in keeping your seedlings indoors given that your seeds just germinated. Throughout the fall and winter months, grow your seedlings in a sunny south windowsill where they can get a few hours of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist at all times. If your tap water is low in minerals (less than 50 parts per million), you can use it with your plants. Otherwise, use bottled distilled water.
You should also spray the soil with a sulfur-based fungicide as a preventative measure. Keep a watchful eye for any signs of fungus or mold while your plants are indoors. Treat immediately when you see any pop up. Left untreated, fungus can spread quickly and kill your seedlings.
Of course, throw away the terrarium lid. You won't need it. Your seedlings will actually be healthier as they adapt to lower humidity.
In mid spring, when the risk of frost has passed, acclimate your plants for outdoor growing. At that time you can separate your plants into individual pots or grow them together in a single large pot.
For more information about soil requirements, water and sunlight during the growing season, read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets
Good growing!
Jacob Farin
