Florida’s Carnivorous Plants: Understanding, Identifying, and Cultivating the State’s Native Species

Florida has dozens of species of carnivorous plants, more than any other state in the U.S. They’re mostly found in the panhandle but do range throughout the state. Many of them are threatened.

Florida’s carnivorous plants include sundews, butterworts, bladderworts, and pitcher plants. They use appealing scents, leaves that trap insects, and sticky fluids that help imprison their prey. Then they produce digestive fluids that absorb the insect and its nutrients. These plants can be grown at home in the backyard, in rain gardens, or many times on the windowsill. This book is an identification guide and general growing guide for the major Genera of carnivorous plants found in Florida—all of these plants are popular houseplants and can be kept by beginners. Each species description will include etymology, history of the plant’s discovery highlighting diverse scientists, anatomy, habitat range, number of species in the world, popular cultivars for beginners. Tables will include soil requirements, types of potting, water level, amount of light, climate/temperature requirements, fertilizing, when to transplant and how to propagate.