New to carnivorous plants? Start here!

Jul 31, 2022 - Featured

If you've just returned from the garden centre with your first flytrap, or are looking for an easy-to-grow carnivorous plant as a unusual gift, this is for you! Read more.

Catching up with Damon from California Carnivores

Oct 25, 2025

A wide-ranging conversation with Damon Collingsworth on carrying Peter D’Amato’s legacy, moving California Carnivores, and life among pitcher plants. Read more.

Can I feed my Venus flytrap dead bugs?

Apr 15, 2025

The short answer: not really. But the real answer is that it depends whether you'll invest the time necessary to make your flytrap think it's caught live prey! Read more.

FAQ: How do Venus flytraps work?

Jan 29, 2025

Learn the fascinating mechanics behind how Venus flytraps catch and digest their prey, including their snap-trap mechanism, trigger hairs, and digestive processes. Read more.

Now available: Nepenthes Species Identifier V2

Sep 4, 2024

It's been almost 4 years since the original Nepenthes Species Identifier launched. I'm pleased to say that the vastly improved version 2 is now ready for release! Read more.

California Carnivores Coupon Code: 10% Discount

Jul 22, 2024

Any time someone asks where to buy carnivorous plants in the US, I always point them towards California Carnivores. You can get 10% off with code TOMSCARNIVORES. Read more.

Why is my pitcher plant dying or turning brown?

Jul 23, 2023

If your pitcher plant is declining - leaves turning brown and crispy, growth dying - don't panic. This is a common problem, and one which is easy to diagnose and fix. Read more.

Should I let my Venus Flytrap flower?

May 21, 2023

If you've spotted a long stem emerging from your flytrap, what should you do with it? Will cutting it off encourage your flytrap to grow more vigorously? Read more.

“How big can Venus flytraps get?” and other FAQs

Apr 30, 2023

There is only one species of Venus flytrap, but many different forms, known as cultivars. Some of these can get really large - but which is the biggest? Read more.

5 Gift Ideas for Carnivorous Plant Growers

Feb 11, 2023

The growing season for Venus flytraps and Sarracenia might be over, but that needn't leave you stumped for gift ideas when buying for a carnivorous plant grower. Read more.

What is winter dormancy in carnivorous plants?

Oct 8, 2022

Most carnivorous plants - including Venus flytraps - are native to temperate climates, and they survive the winters by entering a resting phase. This is called dormancy. Read more.

How to Make a Decorative Carnivorous Planter

Sep 10, 2022 - Guest Post

Time to welcome another guest author! Megan will demonstrate how to build an attractive, low-maintenance display of hardy carnivorous plants that can be kept indoors or outside. Read more.