Question
Hello!  A botanist I spoke to a while ago mentioned in passing that a carnivorous plant could be a solution to gnat infestations that occasionally happen in our house (e.g., around temporary compost container in the kitchen).  True?  And if a carnivorous plant would be helpful during an infestation, can I keep it alive if it's too successful, i.e.,  if it kills all the bugs in the house?   Which plant might be a solution in my situation of only occasional insect food?  I'll appreciate any info you can provide.

Answer
Hi Brian,

This is probably the quintisential question when it comes to carnivorous plant ownership.  Unfortunately, the answer is a little bit yes, but mostly no.  Carnivorous plants catch plenty of insects, but usually not enough to be useful for bug control.  In your situation a few plants could be helpful, but you just shouldn't have the expectation that they will eradicate a bug problem.  Here are some I could recommend for fungus gnats:

- Lance-Leaf Sundew (Drosera adelae)
- Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis)
- Fork-leaf Sundews (Drosera binata species)
- Mexican Butterworts, primarily Pinguicula moranensis

All of these plants use sticky leaves to capture bugs, and are tropical, so they are happy as houseplants.  Visit this link for examples of these plants on our website:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3

Here's another vital bit of information to know.  Carnivorous plants are plants first, carnivorous second.  They use the insects they catch for fertilizer, not energy.  They still get all their energy from photosynthesis of sunlight.  Just like regular plants, you can fertilize them all you want, but if they are not getting enough sun or water, it will make no difference whatsoever.  Carnivorous plants are the same.  You can feed them all the bugs you want, but if they aren't getting adequate light, the'll die.  Based on this, in your situation, it will be more important to have them in a good window than next to the compost bin.  Overall, however, they are easy plants to grow.  For more information on their care visit:  http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=7&chapter=1

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com