Carnivorous Plant Feeding Guide: Necessity, Types & Cautions

Carnivorous plants capture insects and absorb nutrients from them, but feeding is not actually mandatory. When done properly, supplemental feeding can promote growth.

Is Feeding Necessary?

Feeding carnivorous plants is not required. They obtain basic energy through photosynthesis; insect capture primarily supplements nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Plants grown outdoors will naturally catch insects on their own.

Benefits of feeding: Faster growth, larger traps and pitchers, support for small seedlings.

Feeding Methods by Species

Venus Flytrap: Place a small insect on the trigger hairs to activate closure. 1–2 times per month, one insect per leaf. Simply triggering closure with a finger (without food) is counterproductive.

Nepenthes: Drop dried bloodworms or fish food directly into pitchers. 1–2 times per month, filling about 1/4 of the pitcher fluid level. Overfeeding causes pitcher death.

Sundew (Drosera): Place small fruit flies or dried bloodworms onto the sticky tentacles. 1–2 times per month.

Sarracenia: Generally no feeding needed. Outdoor plants naturally capture insects.

Foods to Avoid

• Raw meat, ham, cheese: Rot and cause mold
• Large insects: Cannot be fully digested, causing leaf death
• Liquid fertilizer: Will kill carnivorous plants
• Human food in general: Salt and oils are harmful

Feeding Guidelines

1. Don't overfeed (1–2 times per month is plenty)
2. Don't feed every leaf (limit to 1/3 or fewer of all traps)
3. Dead insects are acceptable
4. Reduce or stop feeding in winter
5. Watering is not a substitute for feeding

See also our Carnivorous Plant Terrarium Guide.

Find Carnivorous Plants on Bri-Choku

Bri-Choku offers healthy carnivorous plants from experienced breeders. Browse the carnivorous plant category to find your favorite species.