Dionaea - Carnivorous plant - Karnivores

Quartz sand for carnivorous plants: what is it used for and how do you use it?

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 11:49:03 GMT

Everything you need to know about using quartz sand to lighten peat: what it’s used for, the correct proportions for different plant types, choosing the right sand, and a step-by-step guide to repotting.

How does the Venus flytrap detect its prey? A 2025 study sheds light on its ‘sixth sense’

Julien Hoffmann — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:52:54 GMT

A team of Japanese researchers (from Saitama University) has just solved a mystery that has puzzled scientists ever since Darwin: how does the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) manage to detect the slightest brush of an insect, without a brain or a nervous system?

How carnivorous plants digest their prey

Julien Hoffmann — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:14:35 GMT

Carnivorous plants are a distinct group of plants capable of capturing animal prey to supplement their nutrition. This strategy has evolved mainly in nutrient-poor environments, where nitrogen and phosphorus are in short supply in the soil.

Dried sphagnum moss or standard growing medium: which is best for truly healthy plants?

Julien Hoffmann — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:27:45 GMT

The growing medium is the foundation of any successful grow. Yet many growers continue to use traditional mixtures based on peat or potting compost without always considering whether they are actually suitable for their plants.

Do you need a greenhouse to successfully grow carnivorous plants from seed?

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:49:25 GMT

When you start growing carnivorous plants from seed, one question always comes up: do you absolutely need a greenhouse for it to work? Many people assume that specialised equipment is essential. In reality, the answer is a little more nuanced.

When should you sow seeds of carnivorous plants?

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:32:00 GMT

Sowing carnivorous plants requires less technical skill than one might think, but it hinges on one essential point: choosing the right time to sow, depending on the genus being grown. Each group of carnivorous plants has a specific life cycle, directly inherited from its natural habitat.

Growing medium for carnivorous plants: why a specialised mix is the most reliable solution

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:16:53 GMT

Which growing medium should you choose to ensure successful sowing of carnivorous plants? Find out why a specialised mix is the most reliable solution for germination.

Dried sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants: why this substrate is particularly suitable

Julien Hoffmann — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:36:23 GMT

Growing carnivorous plants involves very specific requirements, particularly with regard to the growing medium. Originating from naturally nutrient-poor, acidic and waterlogged environments, these plants cannot tolerate either an excess of nutrients or unstable growing media.

Dehydrated sphagnum moss: definition, origin and uses in horticulture

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:24:58 GMT

Dehydrated sphagnum moss is a horticultural growing medium with unique properties: high water retention, excellent aeration and great stability. This article explains what it actually is, why it is used in horticulture and how to choose the right one.

What sort of water should you use for carnivorous plants?

Julien Hoffmann — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 20:21:12 GMT

Water is the most important factor in growing carnivorous plants. Far more than light or even the growing medium, the quality of the water directly determines their long-term survival.

Sphagnum moss: understanding, selecting and using it

Julien Hoffmann — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:37:35 GMT

Sphagnum moss plays a central role in many modern horticultural practices. Long associated almost exclusively with carnivorous plants, it is now widely used for growing orchids, epiphytes and certain bromeliads such as Neoregelia…

The plant that ‘feels’ touch: discovering the Venus flytrap’s tactile sensor

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:58:00 GMT

The famous Dionaea muscipula, better known as the Venus flytrap, continues to surprise scientists. A new study published in late September 2025 in *Nature Communications* has finally revealed the secret behind its sense of touch: a mechanosensory channel called DmMSL10.

The magic of plant pairings: Thoughts on success!

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:52:18 GMT

Are you passionate about plants that are out of the ordinary, whether they’re carnivorous or exotic? Are you looking to create harmonious plant arrangements without making life too complicated? Our ‘Duos’ section is just the thing for you!

Mini clumps of carnivorous plants

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:36:28 GMT

Starting or expanding your collection of carnivorous plants is now easier than ever thanks to mini-pots. These young plants, which we now offer in large numbers, are perfect for gardeners who want to watch their specimens grow.

A dying carnivorous plant: a guide to saving it

Julien Hoffmann — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:50:05 GMT

Is your carnivorous plant wilting? Find out all the possible causes (wilted leaves, blackening, inactive traps, etc.) and step-by-step solutions to save your Dionaea, Sarracenia or Drosera.

20% off all our carnivorous plants!

Julien Hoffmann — Thu, 29 May 2025 09:33:10 GMT

Until midnight on Sunday only, and on purchases of €55 or more, we’re offering a 20 per cent discount on all our carnivorous plants and even on our seeds… Don’t miss out!! Code >> CARNI20 <<

Light and carnivorous plants: How much sunlight do they really need?

Julien Hoffmann — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:58:14 GMT

Carnivorous plants, with their fascinating adaptations for catching insects, are wonders of nature. But to thrive in your home, they need much more than just insects! Light is a crucial factor for their health and growth.

Unbelievable: A fossilised wasp that acts as a trap, just like the Venus flytrap!

Julien Hoffmann — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:48:21 GMT

An astonishing palaeontological discovery reveals an unexpected evolutionary convergence within the animal kingdom. Analysis of a remarkable fossilised wasp, Sirenobethylus charybdis, preserved in Burmese amber, sheds light on a surprising predatory adaptation.

Stratification of carnivorous plant seeds: a boost to germination

Julien Hoffmann — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:20:20 GMT

Stratification is a horticultural technique that involves subjecting seeds to specific temperature and humidity conditions in order to simulate natural winter conditions and thereby promote germination.

Myths about carnivorous plants that need debunking

Julien Hoffmann — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:02:30 GMT

Carnivorous plants have always fascinated people. Their ability to capture and digest insects has given rise to numerous legends and popular beliefs, often tinged with exaggeration and fantasy.