Carnivores

Carnivorous plant seeds – exotic plants with unique harvesting methods

Carnivorous plants – also known as carnivores – fascinate with spectacular trapping mechanisms: snap traps, pitchers, sticky droplets, or tube traps. With carnivorous plant seeds from SAFLAX, you can grow these extraordinary plants yourself, step by step, and watch as striking exotic plants emerge from tiny seeds.

Popular genres & special features

• Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula): iconic snap trap, compact growth.
• Sundew (Drosera): glittering sticky droplets on tentacles – great diversity of species.
• Pitcher plants (Sarracenia): upright, colorful pitchers – ideal for mini-bogs.
• Pitcher plants (Nepenthes): overhanging pitchers, ideal for bright, humid locations.
• Butterwort (Pinguicula): flat rosettes with sticky leaves, decorative on the windowsill.
• Bladderwort (Utricularia): fine traps underwater or in very wet substrate.

Sowing – how to get started

1. Choose a substrate: a nutrient-poor, airy medium (e.g., a peat-free special mix for carnivorous plants or classic white peat with quartz sand). Do not use potting soil.
2. Clean working practices: Clean trays/tools; spread fine seeds thinly and evenly, do not cover them or only press them down very lightly.
3. Humidity & Air: keep constantly moist (waterlogging), high humidity; water with rainwater or distilled water if possible – no hard tap water.
4. Light & temperature: bright without direct midday sun; 18–25 °C depending on the species. Some temperate species (e.g. Dionaea, Sarracenia) benefit from cold stratification (2–6 °C, 4–6 weeks).
5. Patience: Germination time varies from a few weeks to several months depending on the species – do not “feed” seedlings initially.

Care of young carnivores

• Water: Keep slightly damp at all times, never allow to dry out. Rainwater/distilled water is preferred.
• Nutrients: Carnivorous plants grow in extremely nutrient-poor locations in nature – do not fertilize .
• Light: very bright; many species tolerate more sun as they age.
• Resting phase: temperate species (especially Dionaea, Sarracenia) require a cooler resting period in winter.

Locations & Designs

Carnivorous plants are versatile: they thrive on bright windowsills, in humid terrariums, in mini-bogs in containers, or in planting trays on balconies (frost-hardy varieties). With carefully selected mixes, aesthetically pleasing arrangements can be created – from compact sundew rosettes to colorful pitchers of Sarracenia.

SAFLAX – Seed manufacturer with experience

As a family-run seed company, we offer carefully selected, packaged, and inspected carnivorous plant seeds. Each packet contains clear growing and care instructions for beginners and experienced growers alike. This makes getting started with carnivorous plants a breeze – step by step.

Buy carnivorous plant seeds online at SAFLAX

Discover our range of seeds for Venus flytraps, sundews, pitcher plants, and other plants, as well as suitable seed mixes. You'll also find accessories for growing plants, such as seed trays , plant covers , and plant labels .

Frequently asked questions about carnivorous plant seeds

Which carnivorous plants are suitable for beginners?

Dionaea (Venus flytrap) and robust Drosera species are a good starting point; Sarracenia is suitable for a mini-bog outdoors.

Do carnivorous plants need fertilizer?

No. Carnivorous plants are adapted to nutrient-poor locations. Fertilizing usually does more harm than good.

Which water do I use?

Rainwater or distilled water. Please avoid hard water.

Do seeds need to be stratified?

Temperate species (e.g., Dionaea, Sarracenia) often benefit from cold stratification (2–6 °C for 4–6 weeks). Tropical species (e.g., many Nepenthes) do not require this.

How long does germination take?

Depending on the type and conditions: from a few weeks to several months. Patience pays off.

Where is the best location?

Very bright light, high humidity and permanently moist substrate. Terrarium for tropical species, mini-bog or tub for temperate species.

Can I plant carnivorous plants outdoors?

Frost-hardy species such as Sarracenia and some Drosera are suitable for sheltered outdoor areas or mini-bogs; tropical species are better kept indoors.