Carnivorous Plants | tour and care, unique houseplants for your collection

[@Itsyaboijq]

I know this video came out a few weeks ago but if this helps out anyone at all then that's great. I work at a large government funded greenhouse and we have an amazing carnivorous plant collection, and here are a couple of things that I learned that may help when it comes to feeding/fertilizing carnivorous plants. 1. Never apply fertilizer to the growing medium, you will burn the roots. The whole reason they evolved to be carnivorous is because they are usually native to nutrient deficient areas. 2. What you can do if they are not catching any bugs is dilute any fertilizer you are using to a very small concentration and use it as a foliar spray. This works because it doesn't come into contact with the roots, but do not do it very often. As Benji said, they will do pretty okay without any feeding, but this will help them grow. 3. For pitcher plants, you can drop a single slow release fertilizer pellet in the pitcher. This is plenty of food for the plant, and will keep it fed for quite a while. 4. This isn't really about fertilizing, but be very patient. The carnivorous plant greenhouse is climate controlled by a computer to consistently maintain perfect humidity and temperature, and we have had pitcher plants that throw a tantrum and don't produce pitchers for two years after being repotted and placed in the greenhouse. It will acclimate, it just takes time.

[@nakhzomah5609]

Can be helpful, my Dionae just died a week ago, after 6 months trying things, this advice will help in future probably ;) . I've read here in France that Carnivorous plants needed plastic pots and clay pots because of the minerals it could contain, and i've not seen you talking about it, is it really killing the plants ? May i use glass pots or ceramic pots as Benji uses in his video ?

[@Itsyaboijq]

@@nakhzomah5609 Hi! So I didn't really talk about it cause sort of Benji mentioned it when it came to watering. The carnivorous plants that we have are all planted in plastic pots, and are watered with distilled water. You can buy distilled water from the store for pretty cheap, we are lucky enough to be right next to a large chemistry lab that produces distilled water so it comes out of our taps. Most tap water at least in the USA is treated with chlorine to kill microbes and then minerals to get rid of the chlorine smell/taste. The chlorine part is what can harm the plant. Its usually in small enough ppm that normal plants will be fine, but because the carnivorous plants have such sensitive roots it can harm them. Ceramic pots should be just fine, and honestly I did not really know that a normal terracotta pot would harm it. The only reason as far as I'm aware that we use plastic pots is because they are cheap and easy to move around, but I will ask my manager about that on Tuesday for you :) (he literally is like a plant god and knows everything)

[@nakhzomah5609]

@@Itsyaboijq i'd like to thank you for this answer, i didnt expect this much, feels good :). I planted mine in plastic pots too because they are cheaper, but not very aesthetic in my opinion :/

[@Itsyaboijq]

@@nakhzomah5609 Yeah the plastic pots are not amazing. In my own collection I use these plastic pots that are made out of recycled ocean plastic, and then I paint them. Makes it a little more fun. Anyway I'll ask my manager on Tuesday about carnivorous plants and types of pots for you, hopefully I'll remember this

[@iCantLogOut]

@@nakhzomah5609 a good solution for the aesthetic of plants that do well in plastic pot is to use two pots. What I do is buy a nice pot that my plastic pot can easily slide inside of. This is especially true when I want to use terracotta for moisture loving plants.

[@osyros6698]

The spider living in your Sarracenia is somewhat of a symbiotic relationship: even though the plant doesn't digest the insects itself, it still gets nutrient from the spider's waste This remind me of the tiniest frog ever discovered that lives in a Nepenthes. Its name is the Microhyla borneensis and it is a fingernail big. Adorable !!

[@tuhmater2985]

It’s definitely a symbiotic relationship. A symbiotic relationship is when two organisms or different species live together for an extended period of time. It doesn’t necessarily have to benefit both organisms, as in a mutualistic relationship. A parasitic relationship also counts as symbiotic, as does a commensalist one.

[@shannarafryer3111]

I follow an account on insta that keeps frogs with their sarracenia. The frogs live inside them it’s so interesting

[@Me6wzi]

Also, there is a substance on the outside of the plant that gets the flies drunk and if they end up escaping then the spider will eat them since their reaction time has been slowed. Or the fly will eventually die from the substance.

[@Lina_729]

I recently got into carnivorous plants myself, so the timing is perfect. I used to think that they’re difficult but my Sarracenia actually grows pretty well!

[@LILPEANUT-1]

Saaaaaaame

[@darylsegrest4494]

I can’t keep a sundew to save my life… however I was surprised my pings, Saracennia, and fly traps survived being wintered and repotted this year and are doing well.

[@stan_marsh-vg8vs]

Omg I have a sarracenia, I love it so but my cat bit one of the tiniest ones and I’m sad 😭😭

[@Lina_729]

@@stan_marsh-vg8vs I’m sure it’ll grow back

[@Animallovercomedian]

They’re surprisingly easy once you know what they need! Don’t mind the two sarracenia I killed, I thought it was okay to let them dry out when they were dormant. But the rest are doing great!

[@ashetheblast]

Benji down here in SoCal we have the Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts (SCCPE) and they hold carnivorous plant sales often! It's a really great way to expand your collection and support local growers :)

[@Anonymous-bv7rg]

Do they do it online? Is pricing good? I’ve been dying for carnivorous plants, but California Carnivores is too pricey and always sold out. I want sundew and butterwort!

[@monke1919]

@@Anonymous-bv7rg what do you mean calcarn is too pricey, it's probably one of the cheapest online.

[@Anonymous-bv7rg]

@@monke1919 seriously? That’s kinda insane.

[@qxxnvlog2685]

Terra Bella in chula vista and san diego has a few selections as well. ive seen pitcher plants and droseras for very low $

[@liev_x]

BABE, I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say I literally *GASPED* when I saw your cabinet. I'm in love with it. 100/10 goals. 💚

[@jadelee-taylor1061]

VIDEO SUGGESTION: It would be cool to have a video showing how you care for the moss and carnivorous plants when they enter dormancy :) or if you even go without the dormancy period due to your care and climate. Hope you see this, love the vids :).

[@petrescuework-difficultcas6581]

Carnivorous plants don't go dormant. They don't need a winter break.

[@Your_VR_dude]

@@petrescuework-difficultcas6581 Either you’re dumb or dumb they need dormancy most of them the dormancy. pings ,fly trap sarracenia

[@Your_VR_dude]

@@petrescuework-difficultcas6581 They do need a winter break especially for most of them

[@teixeir3]

@@petrescuework-difficultcas6581 Many carnivorous species do need dormancy like Venus Fly Traps and Sarracenia, native to the United States in areas like the Carolinas that normally experience freezing temperatures in the wild and go dormant from about October - March depending on species. Some tropical carnivorous plants like nepenthes do not require dormancy.

[@petrescuework-difficultcas6581]

@@Your_VR_dude my Pinguicula and drosera never went dormant in my care. They grow and bloom all year around.

[@nikkichristinar]

Lol I always realize what day it is when I see a notification from Binji plant. Happy Sunday! 🌞 🪴 🌱 🌿 🌾 🌵 🏵

[@aloeee]

I'd love to see some of the carnivorous plants as icons with the desktop wallpaper on your site! They're such beautiful plants you did an amazing job pairing them with the moss!!!🌱💮

[@yaya804]

The tone of your voice is so calming...like a warm hug 😊 thank you for the video! It was very informative, your cinematography is captivating and your home aesthetic is beautiful. Blessings to you! 💙 Keep up the GREAT WORK!

[@peachgummybearz5419]

I’m obsessed with ur ikea cabinet greenhouse, immediately subscribed

[@jinx7075]

You can also just use rainwater for carnivores plants! I grow a few myslef and I just use the rainwater from our water barrel to water them :)

[@tokitogoat5315]

Yes,i think that was the reason my venus flytrap died,i rarely used rainwater on it:)

[@YourDadWithTheMilk304]

@@tokitogoat5315 Another big reason that people fail is moving dionaea around. Keep it in one spot and refrain from turning it around, even if you think one side needs more light 👍

[@Mirabel06]

Boiled water that is cooled down works also fine :)

[@jsykes1942]

I noticed at 4:02 in the video a close-up of the Venus flytrap. I had the same thing happen. Small traps developing with some not opening fully and some traps not developing at all. I realized my potting mix had added fertilizer and accidently used some potting soil mix with fertilizer. Had to start over with soil mix and used only organic Canadian peat moss. It worked great. You do have a lovely collection. I really admire your ability.

[@amalia2669]

8:50 I was literally thinking “he always says reverse osmosis and never tells us what it is😭” glad we got there in the end:)

[@asiansheep5407]

This dudes voice is incredibly soothing

[@nunyabiznes33]

You sound calming just as these plants look so calming.

[@2331Brittany]

They do establish a symbiotic relationship because they know insects are attracted there because of the smell. Sometimes I find live frogs hanging out in the mouths of my pitchers (I keep them outside). Great collection!

[@chunky16]

Benji, you're such an inspiration for plant lovers! 😭 I am in awe of the intersection of plant care and styling here, it's really genius. You have such a great eye and taste level which I rarely happen upon, and I'm so very pleased to have discovered you, and also kinda disappointed in myself for not finding you sooner lmao

[@Pt0wN973b0iI]

The good bye, was cute!😁💚

[@samsimpson4083]

Thank you, this was really helpful. I’m wanting to get into carnivorous plants but was unsure on how to maintain them and also wasn’t a fan of the plastic pot in plastic tray set up I keep seeing. But the way you’ve staged them is beautiful and has really inspired me. Thank you! 🌱

[@yukiyavalentine5867]

Thank you for all the tips ! And you have a very nice soothing voice, almost as satisfying as the sound of watering the plants :D

[@ashgriff8527]

I just wanted to say I recently discovered your channel and I love that you did this video on carnivorous plants! Also, I absolutely love your demeanor and how excited you get about all your plant babies.

[@onlyplants]

Love this episode! Thanks Benji

[@blxvkpxndx]

You are such a beautiful soul ❤ You have such a good ora, you’re so calm and gentle in this video.

[@wolfia-17]

Wow u have ur own botanical garden ...of varieties of diversity ..i love them

[@elmerhernandez5810]

The monstera in the back is a SHOWSTOPPER! WOW!

[@yourleftovers6645]

i recently bought a pitcher plant and repotted it into live moss!! i also bought venus fly trap and Pinguicula seeds so this video was a life saver!!

[@urmom_sam]

I'M SCREAMING!!! Carnivorus plants have been my new obsession!!! Thank you for feeding more into my obsession 🥹🥹🥹

[@jenatucker492]

This came at the perfect time. I just made a carnivores bowl with 3 plants. Now I need some live moss😁. Thanks!!

[@narmypara100]

I tend to listen to your video at bedtime in the dark ..i suffer from insomnia ..thank you your voice is better than valium 👀💤

[@adamkencki]

i love the painting on the left behind you

[@jackt7233]

wow, that spider on that plant is so cool! it's so exciting to see how nature interacts with itself in these ways

[@vildhallon4709]

Ironically my carnivorous plat Collection died from thrips, i Love carnivorous plants but I've felt so sad about the loss that I never really got over it. This makes me want to try again though, truely beautiful plants . Thank you for the inspiration

[@superchickexplosion]

Loved this video! Thank you for showing your carnivorous collection. They are all really beautiful and unique. ♥️

[@tholan1313]

I just wanted to say thank you for such a detail and helpful video.

[@iolaani]

Hey Benji! You upload my day as always. Here’s a video idea, Could you make a video about some of your favorite plants? I would love to see your view on some of the plants you own that I am thinking of purchasing. I think it would inspire others to grow there plant collection! Thanks!!

[@dylanschnepp2149]

Love the way you potted them

[@janinebean4276]

You have such a sweet, calm energy! 🥰

[@BlackmoonLilith0101]

I've got a cute little crab spider that built a web in between a pitcher plant and staghorn ferns of mine.

[@johnnyrook6371]

That's good looking moss! I can never get mine to look that good.

[@zachysmusic]

I’m trying to make my own farm of moss like he has! Benji we need the sphag moss farm tutorial!!!

[@cindyvan635]

I live in Southern California, so I keep mine on my patio in saucers of distilled water, they are thriving🤗❤🌱

[@evelyndutra8954]

I really don't know why, your voice make's me calm, I might as well play your videos to sleep someday! Really good explanation btw!

[@wenam87]

I know this is unrelated but you have such a calming voice and presence. Really enjoyed the video and learning a bit about these plants.

[@petrescuework-difficultcas6581]

I got my Pinguicula from the clearance isle as they were about to throw it out, as it looked horrible. I have it for several years now. It sits on the south side window sill and gets tap water. It's saucer is always full. It gave me several babies over the years and blooms throughout the entire year. A really fun and pretty plant to keep.

[@maarte_kyel]

the collection is very interesting and unique kind of plants more power keep on vlogging stay safe

[@Epok724]

Finally!! Been waiting for this video! Thanks benji!

[@talaschlechte2991]

Bought my first carnivorous plant, and I found your video very informative. You also have a very pleasant voice... keep up the good work

[@kapuapatacsil1964]

your voice is so soothing and you give such great advice and information. i'm going to have to watch more of your videos!

[@ellas3878]

They're definitely easier than I expected! My drosera got aphids and after treating it 3/4 times and completely getting rid of all of its sap, it just continued to grow like crazy. I also have made some mistakes with my pinguicula (twice) and it recovered very easily both times. It's even flowering now, while still recovering lol

[@moon_wolfk7456]

I was gonna ask if they could get pests, for some reason I thought they might just eat them, but I guess they can..?

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza909]

Pings are my favorite. I had a bog but when we got a new roof & the 1st rain all the chemicals killed my hole bog!!! Now I just have some pings in an AeroGarden in the bowl they used to carry

[@thunderjunkie2290]

4:08 | This is amazing and what I strive for.

[@Lil_warner]

Sarracenia looks so beautiful I have to get that 1 for sure & others to play security around the house for these flys 😂

[@alessandrog5261]

Love your passion for this plants and your way to describe it ❤

[@christopherwaldrop5293]

When I started growing carnivorous plants Utricularia sandersonii was a very popular starter plant. It's a bladderwort that grows nicely in a pot and produces a lot of flowers. It seems to be hard to find now but it's one I really recommend growing if you can find it.

[@Elileviathan]

You're very pleasant to listen to. And what you tell us so informative and easy to understand. Thank you! :)

[@doxiebacon]

Your voice was perfect to lull me to sleep, but your content kept me riveted at the edge of my seat

[@deer.4547]

Your care and love for sustainability made me follow! ❤ great video!

[@antonianosanta]

I'm new to your channel and you are SO NICE and the light in this video is so calming and bright and beautiful. Thank you a lot for your work!

[@BigShrimpin416]

I love the cups and bowls you planted them in! I just got the itch to keep carnivorous plants! Love the way the live sphagnum moss looks on top! BTW, you have the perfect voice for these kinds of videos.

[@coffeew1tch]

I’m new here and I’m so glad I found your channel! I love the aesthetic of your home, it feels so cozy. I’ve always wanted a ping, but I was always worried about having standing water near my other plants. I love how the moss looks and might give it a try, thank you! ☺️

[@tanyawales5445]

A place like Portland, Oregon's water supply is essentially rainwater that gets purified through a temperate rainforest. It takes FIFTY years for water pipes in Portland to lime up. The pipes in Los Angeles can lime up in as little as twenty years because the source of the water is heavily mineralized Colorado River water.

[@dennal3306]

i was here for the plants but now i stay bc my gosh ur so nice to listen to

[@robertboeckmann1111]

Very cool! Thank you for showing your beautiful collection and teaching your cultivation techniques. 😊

[@schenleypark9120]

Lithops! They don't even need water and their flowers are soo adorable

[@schenleypark9120]

Also some are just purple

[@PlanterMan]

Just rewatched this, your video inspired me to get into Carnivorous plants, and now I have a few, plus I've just germinated my first set of Seeds (Flytrap). Thank You~I appreciate you.

[@coolplanet3]

I like the this Plants it's like a bonsai series of all the carnivorous plants

[@jyotibisht5553]

Want an update on your IKEA cabinet

[@forest4167]

Hi Benji! I work at a conservatory and I can confirm that all of our Sarrecenia have spiders living on them. We have a pretty big collection. Despite that, our Sarrecenia also have scale real bad 😬

[@CynicalDemeanor]

a video or instructions on how you make that BEAUTIFUL green sphagnum moss would be absolutely lovely.

[@budgetwithdoughva6849]

New subbie here! I am so glad I found your channel based on my recc list. Binge watched your channel this past week and it’s been such a pleasure to see how you’ve created your very own ecosystem and oasis of calm with you plant collection 🙏🏼 I can’t wait to get a carnivorous plant into my collection, the sundews seem to be my favorite looking so far 💕 thank you for sharing and I can’t wait to see another video featuring theo 💕🥹 he is the cutest puppp

[@PeachySoju]

omg that purple flower one is so fiiinee 😍

[@goldenriverp2240]

Wow so pretty ! I just ordered 2 today so I’m looking forward to growing them .

[@ArsalanKhan-cx7ej]

The love in these comments is truly inspiring. Keep it up, everyone!

[@amSel58]

That was so satisfying to watch!

[@markday5797]

Thank YOU for sharng, just getting started growing these most interesting plants.

[@CubNole]

You have some beautiful plants, thanks for sharing!

[@arcadia_plants]

Oooh thank u!! I've been waiting for long this video from u 😍 finally it's here. Thanks Benjii

[@audrasagastume7392]

Most soothing videos ever.

[@rocatalin88]

I absolutely love this channel! Keep continuing what you're doing, it's great!

[@y_equals_mx_plus_c]

They are such cute plants!

[@scalessnature987]

I love this collection. Your plants look great

[@MarikaMedia]

I need your sprayer. It's so cool. Thank you for all these tips. 🙌🏽

[@stacypeters2856]

Beautiful job and I love your commentary

[@maisiephillips8564]

If anyone has a dehumidifier, the water from that works great for carnivorous plants, too. 😁 Thank you for making this video, your plants are stunning! You are an inspiring person and your videos are very relaxing.🙂

[@maisiephillips8564]

@@madisoncallaghan Cool, I was wondering about that!

[@aidadiarra6652]

This person has a very relaxing voice

[@SuuperBeck]

I will have to do this when I move back to the lower 48 because then it will be so much easier to obtain plants. I have always wanted to grow carnivorous plants I love the moss idea I never thought of that

[@Mia-rf1pu]

I'm not even that into plants. I just watch your videos cuz they help me relax ^_^

[@NorthLuckStar]

Ahh I should totally add live moss to my butterworts!!

[@joycearcas3392]

Your speaking voice is so calm. I will subscribe and play your vids to get some good sleep. I also like plants but i cant take care of them tho 🥹

[@gareless]

I just planted my flytrap seeds! I don’t have high hopes for them because I just don’t have a green thumb lol but I’m glad I discovered your channel thanks to that! I love your plant collection and your voice is super soothing and relaxing!

[@MoniqueBlairASMR]

I love this! I just purchased a Sundew

[@syuliya802]

I learned something, and thank you for creating this... it is fantastisic... I will add to my blog.

[@gordonissocoollike]

Your take great care of your plants for sure .

[@_ford_crown_victoria_p]

this video is very relaxing to hear and watch.

[@antoneeyuh]

The Pinguicula that you don't know the species of is a Pinguicula vulgaris also called Beanweed or Butterwort. It grows in damp habitats all around the world.

[@sebulbathx]

Great video! I really like carnivorous plants. They look cool and also has a function in the home in catching bugs and flies. I have realized recently that carnivorous plants isn't too difficult. The first ones I had died pretty quick because I watered with regular tap water and probably gave not enough light. Then I bought some new small plants and a growing light and distilled water. And now I have had them for over a year and I guess they are happy since they grow new leafs or traps continuously and are much bigger or fuller than when I bought them. And I must say in the beginning the carnivorous element of the plant was just a novelty or a fun thing but then I realized they are very useful in a home in catching small flies. I have two sticky plants and you can see many small flies caught by the sticky leafs or traps. Also I feel it's hard to over water these plants. I water two times a week and it's usually always some water in the bottom of the pot and I have read some people always have their pot in maybe 1/3 of an inch of standing water so the soil is always moist. The soil can never dry out. Also from my understanding if you feed them they won't grow traps as fast or much since the plant then "knows" it has enough traps to catch food. So basically starve your plant from "food" if you want many traps. Anyway Venus flytraps are cool but I like the pitcher style plants the most!

[@manuelawiederkehr9167]

They are beautiful.

[@myyoga8spa]

amazing, I never knew we can actually do that, great video thank you for sharing

[@louisakemp]

I went to an awesome nursery in my area (south-africa). They have the same set-up. The most beautiful display and variety.

[@juicejox3]

I suggest California Carnivorous because that’s where I buy from They are very supportive and have some great how to videos Thanks for yours!

[@owenmckoy1202]

Your content is relaxing. I would enjoy watching you do maintenance on your fish tanks or any aquarium-related content.