Yesterday while doing my groceries I walked by a place where they do sell plants. In a moment of recognition my eyes were caught by a certain plant… The plant that I saw a so called Nepenthes Alata. In normal common English this plant is called “Pitcher plant” or “Monekey cups” (“Bekerplant” in Dutch).
Apart from the maybe a bit strange appearance of this plant, there is more to it. This plant is a carnivorous plant. And I have to say that “carnivorous plant” is way overrated. Plants that “eat” big animals or humans only exist in stories, but not in the real world of this planet.
Insectovorous plants would be a better name for them. They use insects to get nutrients they need and which are not available in their natural habitat.
Sure, the active insectovorous plants as the Venus Fly Trap and the Sundew are interesting to observe. But I really have to say that this “pitcher plant” that I bought with its pitchers of 15cm and more is rather intriguing to me. And as I saw this afternoon, it has already been successful when I noticed a fly trapped in one of its pitchers.
It brings back memories of long when I still was living at my parents home and I had this terrarium full with insectovorous plants….
I know it will be hard to keep this plant in good condition, but I think I can do it!!!!
These plants are cool. The kids really adore these. They hunt for Ants and then feed them to the plants.