Field guide

Care overview

How to grow carnivorous plants in South Africa — core principles first, then genus-specific culture on each collection and product page.

  • Water quality

    Low TDS

    Rainwater, RO, or distilled preferred

  • Light rule

    Genus-first

    Match intensity to trap type

  • Feeding

    No fertiliser

    Let traps catch prey naturally

Foundation

Core principles

Every genus bends these rules — but neglecting any one is how collections fail on the bench.

  • Water

    Rainwater, reverse osmosis, or distilled water — avoid tap water with high TDS.

  • Light

    Match intensity to genus: full sun for many Sarracenia and Dionaea; filtered light for many Nepenthes.

  • Substrate

    Low-nutrient mixes: peat, sphagnum, perlite, and sand ratios depend on the genus.

  • Dormancy

    Temperate species need a cool winter rest; tropical genera grow year-round with stable warmth.

Regional culture

South African benches

Match your setup to temperate outdoor culture or humid tropical benches — most losses come from choosing the wrong zone.

  • Outdoor & greenhouse

    Temperate & Mediterranean zones

    Sarracenia, Dionaea, and many Drosera thrive with strong light and seasonal temperature swings. Plan a cool, bright winter for dormancy — frost-free but not warm.

  • Indoor & humid bench

    Subtropical & highland tropics

    Nepenthes, Heliamphora, and many Pinguicula want stable warmth, higher humidity, and filtered light. Highland Nepenthes need cooler nights; lowland types want heat.

Start here

Your cultivation path

Four steps from first genus to a stocked, stable bench.

  1. Start with the genus

    Open a genus collection below — trap type and climate zone determine light, water, and dormancy.

  2. Read the product dossier

    Each specimen page includes a cultivation dossier with metafield care notes when available.

  3. Stock your bench

    Pair plants with growing supplies — substrate, trays, and tools matched to carnivorous culture.

  4. Ask before you order

    Message us with photos of your setup if you are unsure about humidity, dormancy, or winter protection.

Collections

Shop by genus

Open a genus for trap types, culture notes, and live stock — each product page includes a cultivation dossier when data is available.

Next steps

Bench resources

  • Growing supplies

    Substrate, trays, water, and bench tools matched to carnivorous culture.

    View growing supplies

  • Specimen dossiers

    Every product page can show metafield care notes, humidity, and dormancy flags.

    Browse specimens

  • Bench advice

    Send photos of your light and humidity — we will help before you order.

    Contact the conservatory

Answers

Common questions

Can I use tap water?

Most carnivorous plants prefer rainwater, reverse osmosis, or distilled water. If your tap TDS is low, some Drosera may tolerate it — test before committing an entire collection.

Do all carnivorous plants need dormancy?

No. Temperate genera such as Sarracenia and Dionaea need a cool winter rest. Tropical Nepenthes and many Pinguicula grow year-round with stable warmth and humidity.

Should I fertilise my plants?

Avoid conventional fertiliser — it burns roots. Let traps catch insects, or use very dilute foliar feeds only when you understand the genus.