CARNIVOROUS PLANT CHORES: propagating + repotting nepenthes pitcher plant, venus flytrap in a tube

[@reallybigplant]

I made a big oops and totally misspoke- don’t pot your pitcher plant into regular soil!😅 I realized after reading some of the feedback here that I take for granted that I always use soilless, inert potting substrates for almost all of my houseplants, but I always just call it soil, so I’m gonna start being more specific! It’s not soil! Also, no fertilizer at the root zone! I have never given fertilizer to either of these plants. I brought up the fertilizer slow release pellets because I know that professional nepenthes nurseries sometimes use them for feeding their plants in the pitchers and I wanted to share that tip 🥰 ALSO I opened up my venus flytrap terrarium and set it next to some fungus gnat prone plants so thanks for encouraging me to do that too😊👍 Thanks for all the great feedback here and for sharing your knowledge about these cool plants!💜✨

[@MichelleMonstera]

If you were to teach a virtual plant class to teach me everything you know about plants, I would totally pay so much money for it 🤣. Love your videos, always so informative! I can't believe there is a pitcher plant (well, this one is a toilet plant) that attracts tree shrew!!

[@theplantwitch6052]

Sign me up for that class!!!! I love her videos!!

[@reallybigplant]

😭💜Thanks so much for saying that Michelle, that’s so kind of you🥰💜💜💜 I hope to keep lots more content coming here 😊✨ I think it’s so crazy how some plants have managed to specifically co evolve with specific animal species!! Glad you think it’s interesting too. Cheers!! 🥰💜✨

[@suziievee123]

I honestly am so obsessed with your channel. Your enthusiasm makes your videos so exciting! And I love how informative you are

[@ofhismercy109]

Another fun way to feed these carnivores is betta food. It's dry and usually just bugs. We used to grind it up a wee bit smaller and sprinkle it over the sundew. It just thrived! Great, informative video, woman. These plants are sooo interesting.

[@reallybigplant]

oh that’s a great tip for the sundews! I’m not a huge fan of how they look when they’re covered in little flies so maybe i’ll get one and try that out 😄🌟 Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed it 🥰💜✨

[@ofhismercy109]

@@reallybigplant ha! Bug dust IS much less offensive than tiny carcasses. But it doesn't guarantee they don't catch gnats, lols. I love sundews.

[@frankromano244]

Never seen a pitcher plant big enough to be a floor plant like that. So cool

[@reallybigplant]

I honestly thought something was wrong with mine for a little while because I didn’t think they got this big either!!😆 Thanks for watching Frank!🥰💜✨

[@theplantwitch6052]

Right!!!???? I'm in awe! Also, new goal!

[@sirghostt]

A while back my brother and I found really small pitcher plants and in the dying clearance section at lowe’s we took them just to try it out. Today, they are soooo huge and have plenty of pitchers! It’s really interesting to learn so much more about them!

[@reallybigplant]

!!amazing!!🤩 love a good rewarding plant rescue and congrats on the pitchers!!😍👏 I’m glad you found the video informational🥰 thanks for watching!!

[@theplantwitch6052]

I could watch you do plant chores everyday! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, I learn so much!

[@reallybigplant]

💜Thank you so much Jenifer!!🥰💜💜💜✨

[@lindsaylovesleaves9482]

Every time you repot a plant it just changes the hole appearance it looks fabulous. You have a gift.

[@reallybigplant]

Thank you so much Lindsay, so sweet of you to say that!!🥰💜✨ I agree that repotting and pruning can be such a satisfying transformation to witness! I should do it more often hehe 😊 Thanks for watching and for your support☺️💕✨

[@hobbithabits]

I might need a nepenthes now. Kind of love how they look like theyre in a constant state of 'not sure if dying or not'. Also, no clue if anyone has told you but your hair is not only beautifully toned, but also SO shiny! The shine on your darker toned roots are almost like a highlight in an anime! So jelly!

[@reallybigplant]

* anime blush * Thank you so much!! I do a lot of upkeep on the toning so thanks for noticing 🥰💜✨ I didn’t think the nepenthes were supposed to look like that but I guess they do once they get enormous 😅 glad you like the look, I do too! Thanks for watching and for the sweet compliment!!😊💜

[@IAMCRizzle]

"I care about you guys, i don't want you breathing in rocks." A queen for the people we must stan

[@DanikaBasista]

Perlite props are the best! I have great luck with snake plants in it too

[@DanikaBasista]

I use perlite prop boxes too which is great since I can leave it fir a super long time and dont have to pick it off roots before planting like spag

[@reallybigplant]

🤩oooo i never thought about the benefit of not needing to pick it off the roots! that’s a great observation thank you so much for sharing that Danika! thanks for watching and for the tips🥰💜✨

[@ScarredMind137]

Binging your plant chore videos while putting all my plants back in my dining room having redecorated! Genuinely thought you was going to tell me the pitcher plant eats the shrews!! So glad it's just the poop lol

[@PetraEmmy]

I have a venus flytrap and a tiny sundew.. My plants/orchids had an abundance of fungas gnats so these 2 plants are feasting 👏👏👏👌

[@reallybigplant]

amazing!!!😍 I think i’m gonna take off the lid and set the flytrap near some other plants that have some gnats and see what happens! thanks for sharing that and for watching!🥰💜✨

[@angelinemccloud1258]

Thank u so much I love learning and I was surprised u only have 48 videos once I finished them all!! Need more lol ur awesome

[@ajjamung1314]

My favorite video so far! So many interesting things: 1. I got so excited about the toilet plant because I recently learned about it, I think from BBC or something? 2. 3. 4. The color scheme of your purple hair + knitted top + the blues of the potting medium, pigeons, pillow, and blanket ✨😍 Wes Anderson who? Ya I know 2 and 3 are empty, they seemed profound but I just simply forgot. I think they relate to some things you said? (can’t get more specific than that) So please accept the symbolic lost thoughts💭 Thank you for sharing, always love watching your videos 😘

[@reallybigplant]

ah! I was about to go to sleep and just saw this, this feels poetic and it’s touching 🥲 thank you for comfortably sitting in silence with me 😌 ✨ ✨ 💜 💭✨

[@tinamajors9786]

Thank you so much for warning me about the perlite. I had no idea! I have experienced breathing perlite in my lungs and nose, I did sneeze for quite a while afterwards. I always learn something when I watch your videos. Thank you.

[@reallybigplant]

💜Tina, you are most welcome, glad to warn you!! Thanks so much for watching 🥰💜✨

[@MichelleMonstera]

YAY!! Thank you so much for showing this. So excited!

[@dragtec009]

so i live in SE nc and we have wild sundews, fly traps, and the large pitcher plants and its crazy how big that get the pitcher plants i have seen can get over 4ft tall all the pitches die in the winter and it grows all new ones in the spring, unforcnalty plant poachers is a HUGE issue and lots of people just sit in the woods in area know for lots of them watching people to try and keep poachers away. some of the photos i have take of fly traps are interesting they grow as a ground over and normally inside moss.

[@Carey.S75]

I have the same variety as you which is half the size with 3 older pitchers and 2 new ones growing which look so cute. I have mine in a sphagnum moss & perlite mix in a hanging basket and through the winter have fed it with freeze dried bloodworms due to the lack of flies during that period. It has just had a weak fertilise with seaweed so we'll see how it grows now. I didn't realise how big this variety can grow and I have now learnt they tendril through watching your video, which just shows there are always things to be learnt from other plant people 😉😉

[@reallybigplant]

Hi Carey, thanks for sharing how you have yours potted and the freeze dried bloodworms tip! I’ll keep that in mind 😊 Thanks so much for watching, so glad you enjoyed the video!🥰💜✨

[@teresaoneal5254]

Thanks for another great video!!!

[@marthamiriam8983]

I learned a lot now I want a Venus Fly Trap the rock setup and terrarium beautiful! (I like your watering jug) I can’t wait to see the how the pitcher plant does after this repot and can’t wait to see huge pitchers grow out of it. I Enjoyed this video so much💚

[@bxitaliangirl]

I had a fly trap 2 yrs ago and it didn't last long. Now I want to try again

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks Martha, so glad you enjoyed the video!! I hope you find a nice lil venus flytrap to try out! Thanks for watching 🥰💜✨

[@jessicaross9668]

So informative and fun to watch. Thank you. 🤩

[@reallybigplant]

Thank you Jessica, glad you enjoyed it!🥰💜✨

[@Ginger_Odie]

So impressive Kaitlyn! 🙌💚 your videos are so fun and very interesting!! 😊🪴

[@raquelrodriguez1695]

Love your video and your green knotted pillow on your sofa!!! Lol i had the same reaction repotting my venous fly trap plant 😆

[@plantsandstitches4314]

I have been binging your videos all weekend long and have learned so much! I love the way you explain things. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. :)

[@terrismith1997]

You asked to let you know if we've ever had success rooting in perlite. The only thing I've ever tried to root in perlite was a Hoya which rooted really easily and really well, better than water or moss. Love your videos

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks for sharing that Terri! I want to try some hoya propagations in perlite too so thanks so much for weighing in! I’m glad it’s worked well for you. Thanks for watching Terri!!🥰💜✨

[@birdiesplants8530]

Such an informative video. I always learn something from you. You’re awesome. Love your channel and your doggie is so cute. 💜

[@reallybigplant]

Thank you so much, so nice of you to say!!🥰 Thanks for watching!!💜🐾😊✨

[@Reefspidey]

I have a 3ft tall pitcher plant in my living room! Putting it in a self watering pot was the thing that got mine to produce pitchers! I think they need constant moisture

[@squidvicious944]

This was perfect timing!!!! I just bought 2 carnivorous plants yesterday!!!

[@reallybigplant]

wooooooOo!🥳🎉 what type of plants did ya get?🤩 congrats on ur new plant babies🥰 thanks for watching!!💜✨

[@squidvicious944]

@@reallybigplant I got a Butterwort and a Sundew! I laughed out loud when you said you found them creepy 🤣

[@dachshundsandplants]

I really like it when you make videos like this :) love

[@mandymanning4478]

Hello!! New subscriber here!! Loving your videos so much already!! Love how informative you are, and the way you go about it! I am looking to purchase a Venus fly trap, I dunno why, but I've always been so intrigued by them, and I needed this great info to help when I finally do start my VFT journey!! I'm super excited now!! Thank you so much for your time!!! I've been binge watching all day!! 🥰🤩😍😘🤗

[@aliesefitch1099]

Carnivorous plants totally freak me out 😂 but that new Venus fly trap setup is so cute! About perlite propagating: it's my favorite!! I use just water sometimes, but usually perlite!

[@ritajunee]

I just found your channel and while I love plants, I definitely clicked onto your video in my recommendations because of your hair!! I absolutely love the purple! I bought some semi permanent purple hair dye a few weeks ago and have been scared to do it but finding your channel I think I am meant to hehehe

[@Wendyroo6817]

I have had soooo much success with perlite propagations! Fastest roots ever

[@reallybigplant]

nice that’s awesome to hear!! I’m definitely going to be trying it for more plants. thanks for sharing Zara! And thanks for watching 🥰💜✨

[@erintrent1523]

What a coincidence, I was doing some carnivore repotting before watching this video. When I went to a BACPS meeting in 2019 they discussed propagating Nepenthes and what works well is to include either 3 nodes or one growth point and 2 leaves for each cutting and score the outside of the cutting vertically along the stem near the initial cut. Something I do for my Nepenthes is to spray the developing pitchers with water to increase the humidity since non-pitchering is typically either a light, humidity, and/or water issue. The annual BACPS show and sale is in June if you get bit by the carnivore bug and are itching to get further into the hobby.

[@reallybigplant]

Erin, thank you so much for this!!😍✨ I just spent a while checking out the resources on their site and it’s great! I’m so glad you mentioned the show too- now I want to go!😁 I might try scoring a few of the cuttings and see what happens. I have a feeling my plant is pitcherless from under watering so i’m hoping to change that😅 Thanks for watching and sharing this great info!!🥰💜✨

[@erintrent1523]

@@reallybigplant of course!! It would be cool to see you there.

[@Venric66]

Hi I just found your channel and have been binge watching all your videos! I agree with the other comments that your videos are so informative and I love how much of the science behind the plants you know and share in each of your videos! Did you study plants in a school of some kind? Seriously you’re so knowledgeable and I’ve found it so helpful!! Definitely subscribed and looking forward to more!!! ❤️🪴

[@jorgesoda6350]

I use sphagnum moss and perlite (2:1parts) and water every 3 days with 80% humidity- lots of pitcher. My venus fly trap in a very small bog.

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks so much for this information Jorge!🤩 I may transfer my pitcher plant into a similar mix. I’m so curious about your venus flytrap is in a small bog- is it something like an aquarium/paludarium? Sounds super cool! thanks for watching and for the tips! 🥰💜✨

[@WindowsillNepenthes]

Your Nepenthes is probably a n. Ventrata. If you don't have pitchers with bright light, it's probably because it's too dry (substrate and/or air). I would recommend living the pot submerged in water for 1-2 hours and then repotting it with sphagnum/perlite (60/40). But keep the substrate moist if you want pitchers. 😉 By the way 50% humidity is fine. By the way, you have a lot of cool plants! 🌱😍

[@reallybigplant]

🌟ahh thanks so much for these fantastic tips!! Also, thanks for pointing out the nepenthes ID!! I didn’t realize until after posting the video that the flowers are totally different than alata flowers🤦‍♀️ but I couldn’t figure out which exact species it was- someone else suggested it’s a ‘Miranda’. Do you by any chance know of any reliable resources that show the different flowers and/or pitchers for various Nepenthes species that you’d be willing to share? Thanks so much for watching and for your help 🥰💜✨

[@WindowsillNepenthes]

@reallybigplant My pleasure 😊. In fact we don't ID Nepenthes via the flowers like other plants but more with the pitchers. Sometime the shape of the leaves. For ID without pitcher it will be hard, I don't know any website or app that would do that. On this video I show (half of the video) the way the leaves are attached to the stem, maybe that will help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6XNl4qbopWGg5Y

[@jessiehobbs219]

No potting soil for carnivores ever! Use straight orchid bark mixed with sphagnum or coco coir. Dionaea and Drosera are more picky about this than nepenthes but as a rule no potting soil. Otherwise there is some great information here! Your ventrata needs more humidity to pitcher, sometimes spraying tendrils can help but a pebble tray could rectify that too. Join r/Savage Garden for some more insight into growing carnivores. Cheers!

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks for these tips!!! I made a big oops and totally misspoke because I don’t use normal potting soil either!😅 I realized after reading some of the feedback here that I take for granted that I always use relatively inert potting substrates but I always just call it soil, so Im gonna start being more specific! I didn’t realize that I shouldn’t have the flytrap in soil either though. Thanks so much for watching and for the feedback Jessie! definitely gonna check out that subreddit too, thank you sm!🥰💜✨

[@wipqueen715]

Thank you 😘

[@MeowMeowKapow]

Ooh, I hope there's an update on these! Really interested to see how those propogagtions worked (Or didn't, if that's the case!). Guess I'll have to check and see if any of the more recent vids say anything about it!

[@claudiah5507]

Great video.Ive been researching pitcher plant care. And a couple people have said that more light can help pitchers form . I have mine in a south facing window and seems happy there so far with pitchers still forming. Keep in mind my South window might be less intense than yours since I'm in Canada.

[@reallybigplant]

🤩that’s awesome Claudia! thanks so much for the tips! I’m gonna see if just increasing the watering frequency and keeping it in the super bright light will help get some pitchers to grow 😊🤞 thanks for watching!!🥰💜✨

[@tinabratland4027]

Just repotted my nepenthes into pon while watching your video. I've had it in perlite and topped with pon for stability for over a year and have about 15 pitchers.

[@reallybigplant]

That’s amazing!!🤩 I think that means mine needs way more water! I need to give pon a try. Thanks for watching and for sharing that info Tina! 🥰💜✨

[@RachelJayne92]

I have a Venus fly trap, and he’s sitting outside (undercover) but in a tray of water, and he loves it. 🪴 ..I should add that I also live in tropical Queensland, Australia, so he’s always in a warm/hot humid environment. ☀️

[@RachelJayne92]

..wait, how does your guy get bugs if he lives in a terrarium? 😅

[@reallybigplant]

wowza hello to you in Australia!🤩🤩thanks for watching!!💜✨ And thanks for sharing that info about your venus flytrap! Also.. yes🤦‍♀️....you have identified one of the problems of keeping it in the terrarium 😅😬 My plan was to catch some fungus gnats or something and put them in there soon🤔 but yeah it’s not ideal

[@RachelJayne92]

@@reallybigplant I’m sure you know what you’re doing! ☺️

[@laurenervin1404]

Such an interesting video! I was never able to keep pitchers on my pitcher plant either, but I actually really liked the foliage and growth pattern of it even without the pitchers! And about PERLITE..it works SO well for propagations! All of my prop boxes are perlite now and roots grow REALLY fast in there. I'm just now experimenting with using it in propagation vessels just out in open air. I'm not sure if it will work as well like that or not because of the lack of humidity🤔 I'll probably fill the vessels at least 3/4 of the way up with water as well🤷💚

[@reallybigplant]

Lauren, thanks so much for these perlite tips and sharing your observations! I am now super convinced that I need to give perlite a serious try with way more plants- i’m excited!!🤩 I agree with you about liking the pitcher plants without pitchers too😊 Thanks for watching!!🥰💜✨

[@laurenervin1404]

@@reallybigplant always!❤ this is actually one of the few channels I put the notifications on for!.. My obovata has been just one ginormous strand for almost two years so I cut that up the other day to stick into a few glass containers with perlite that I'll just keep out on my shelves. I figured that if ANY of my hoyas would root like this it would be the obovata, with its big chubby root nubbins😂🤞

[@sharonbrown5238]

I have used perlite for propagations on many different types of plants and it works wonderful for me I like it just as much as moss

[@reallybigplant]

Great to hear it Sharon, thanks for sharing your experience! 😊💜✨

[@Nanethiel13]

I've never cared for pitcher plants (had only two fly traps and killed them, years ago), but you managed to make them fun for me 😄 I love perlite propagation, from euphorbias to aroids to hoyas, all have worked well for me. 😊

[@reallybigplant]

wow euphorbias in perlite!😲!! that’s awesome thanks for sharing! sounds like we both have a history of fly trap murder 😬😅 thanks for watching anyways, so glad you still enjoyed the video 🥰💜✨

[@Nanethiel13]

@@reallybigplant yes, but for euphorbia you need to let the cut callous over (for a few days) then put perlite in a cup with drainage holes (I pierced some in a clear plastic drinking cup) and you water the perlite very sparingly, from the saucer below! The perlite wicks up the moisture up to the plant, encouraging root growth, but the top never gets too moist, so the euphorbia doesn't rot 😊 it works like a charm!

[@amysuewest3826]

I want a pitcher plant now. 😊

[@reallybigplant]

I hope you find a nice one! 😁 thanks for watching Amy!🥰💜✨

[@emmy8009]

There are some pitcher plants native to New Jersey where I am, but since bogs are mainly being used for cranberries there aren’t much of them anymore

[@reallybigplant]

that’s interesting thank you for sharing that! and thanks for watching Emmy 🥰💜✨

[@brianl3966]

I recently found out Michigan has native pitcher plants as well, Sarracenia purpurea. I think these are much different than the typical nepenthes pitcher plants.

[@ssproutplant]

your videos have really taught me so much about plants im not familiar with! what do you do with the old soil after repotting? i always put mine in the empty spots of my vegetable garden

[@tigger1eyore2]

Really enjoyed the carnivores vid and noticed the pigeons above your sofa where did you acquire those and also lots of great info to how to care for the plant you highlighted 👌

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks Fredonia!😊 I’ve been slowly collecting pigeon stuffed animals for years now and I always buy them when I see a new one in a store or online. Some of them are available on my amazon shop (www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-840b28c1?listId=3ASWANYTR0X0T&ref=inf_list_own_influencer-840b28c1) but some of them I’m not sure where to find anymore, sorry! My favorite one is “Hansa” brand and it’s not on amazon. But yeah I think I might own all the life size pigeon plush varieties haha! 🕊 Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks so much for watching! 🥰💜✨

[@joanna4365]

I purchased mine very tiny off etsy in dec 2020 and it always has pitchers and even babies which i have removed 1 so far. I was told to grow only in peat moss and not to fertilize? I live in S.Fl so maybe it the constant humidity that helps it also. Luv ur videos 💚💚💚

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks for the tips Joanna! I’m sure mine would appreciate some of that florida humidity, I’m jealous!🤩 Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience 🥰💜✨

[@sharonbrown5238]

Loved the video I have a pitcher plant and wanted more information on it so thank you. Also I’ve wanted to try a venius fly trap but was concerned that the care and now I think I will get one.

[@reallybigplant]

I think you can sometimes find them in those tubes for only a few bucks, hope you find a good one! Thanks for watching Sharon!!🥰💜

[@KaylayGrows]

Omg I just repotted my nepenthes last week and my goal for this year is to get it to grow pitchers too! I LOVE the look of the foliage too but I’m hoping those pitchers will grow!

[@gurlmadeincanada]

This was super informative! I have a tiny one that is giving me a ton of pitchers after a year of nothing. Mines growing in complete moss rn gotta pot it up this spring

[@reallybigplant]

maybe it’s time to move mine to moss!!🤩 Thanks for watching and for sharing about your pitcher plant! 🥰💜✨✨

[@calgirl5973]

Omg love how you used the glass planter! I found that exact one in Alameda, Encinal nursery.❤️

[@reallybigplant]

🤩fun!! I feel like I saw these around more a few years ago but haven’t seen them since and wish I got more of them 😅 thanks so much for watching!🥰💜✨

[@shannoncarr7338]

I love fun sweaters, I like vintage handmade mohair/wool ones from europe on etsy

[@cutterina8702]

Hey, from where did you get the glass with the hole? Would also like to have it for my plant.

[@lukari8942]

I lost it at little tan balls 🤣

[@hymnsofmisery1]

I love watching your videos lately. I love and have grown carnivorous plants and just have to say you cant treat them the same as aroids :) Im not sure how those propagations will go, would love to see updates. But the biggest thing that jumped out to me is you using normal potting mix and orchid mix. You cant use any fertiliser or mix with fertiliser in soil, as you mentioned theyve adapted to get their nutrients from other means so theyre used to a very nutrient deficient soil, and any fertiliser in it can actually burn the roots. The nepenthes as well does not want an airy mix like most of our aroids do, they dont need to sit in water like many of the bog carnivorous plants but they do prefer to stay moist and any roots left to dry our or exposed to air for too long will just die. Im really looking forward to updates and I hope you take into consideration what Ive mentioned

[@reallybigplant]

💜Elle, thank you so much for taking the time to say this!!! I’ve totally been treating mine like an aroid for the past 2 years so that probably explains why it’s never made pitchers🤦‍♀️ I do use all “soilless” (relatively) inert potting media that don’t have added fertilizers, compost, or worm castings, and I have never fertilized my carnivores, which I should have mentioned! Thanks for pointing that out. What types of substrates would you recommend for this plant in an ideal scenario? I really appreciate how you wrote this feedback, thanks so much for caring and for being nice about it 😊💜✨

[@hymnsofmisery1]

@@reallybigplant Thats awesome! Its so hard to find any potting mix without added fertiliser where I am so I was a bit concerned

[@peteruk8925]

Hi to really successfully get Nepenthes to pitcher up, is increasing humidity 50 % minimum and good light ( as your giving ) , you can mix up half strength nitrogen foliar feed until it starts pitchering to give a little extra energy. Just subscribed to your channel as intrigued to find out how your nepenthes propagation goes 😀. Wishing you ever success!!

[@peteruk8925]

Also the toilet pitcher plant is called Nepenthes Lowii, for your information.

[@StitchesbySharonH]

Do you have any Lifesaver Cactus plants or any other types of Huernia cacti? They produce really cool looking flowers that attract flies because they release a scent similar to rotting meat - I have a Huernia Zebrina and I’ve never smelled anything from it, but I do get a few flies when it flowers. Anyway, I feel like those plants would be great to have when you have carnivorous plants, lol. I find them so fascinating and you’ve definitely done your research on them - so cool!! Okay, so I don’t know what you meant by people having an issue with Sphagnum moss? I’ve only used Sphagnum moss, water or dirt to propagate. I’ve never bought perlite, as I’ve heard it just rises to the top of the soil, so I buy pumice, and add that to my soil. I’ve never tried to use it for propagating, and it’s really chunky, so I don’t think it would work, but I was wondering if you added pumice to your soil mix and what you thought of it. I’ve been hearing good things about using coco coir, especially for Hoyas, but I’ve found that using soil, especially for leaf propagating, like with succulents, works great. Your Venus Fly Trap looks great!! I think it’s fine in the black pot. Keep us updated on the propagations/pitcher growth!! Thank you for sharing! 💜💚🪴🌵

[@reallybigplant]

Pumice is great!! I going to start talking more about potting media choices, thanks for all these great questions and thoughts about the substrates you use Sharon! 😍 Regarding the sphagnum moss, I’ve seen a lot of discussion lately about the environmental impact of harvesting it and it seems like there is a growing sentiment that it’s an unacceptable choice, but alternative substrates have their environmental concerns as well...so I just wanted to briefly address that. I don’t have any Huernia or any other meat smelling plants and I’m not sure if I really want some or if I really don’t lol!! But that’s a great suggestion about using one to attract bugs, making nature work with us not against us!!🌟 Maybe i need to start a small stinky plant collection 🤔💜✨

[@StitchesbySharonH]

@@reallybigplant That’s so interesting about the Sphagnum Moss - I have one block of it, which will last me for years… Lol, you won’t be able to smell the Lifesaver Cactus - my husband is really sensitive to smells and he doesn’t smell anything from the flowers, but we did have a few flies every time it bloomed so I guess it’s not noticeable to people? 🤷‍♀️ But yes, it definitely would be cool to get one and see if they can work together!!! 😊💜

[@b.r.v.8609]

I was afraid you were going to say the pitcher plant ate the shrews 😭 I’m so relieved lol

[@rinadavis6861]

The Venus flytrap looks so cute with the nursery part! My boyfriend got me one for Valentine’s Day and I have no idea what I’m doing 😬

[@joyceleneave2147]

Do you have to fertilize carnivorous plants? Thx for all the great info!

[@reallybigplant]

Hi Joyce, thanks for asking! No you shouldn’t add any fertilizers or “plant food” to the root zone, instead feed the plant by putting insects (or specific forms of fertilizer) in the traps depending on the type of plant. sorry I didn’t talk much about fertilization- basically, they want to get their nutrients from trapping prey not by being fed supplemental stuff in their soil, which can actually harm them. thanks for watching and for the great question!🥰💜✨

[@snowlizard44]

I just found your channel... I've watched about 4 videos and we could make a drinking game out of how often you say " I never really cared about this plant"

[@nessamoreno9446]

Where did you purchase the glass dome for the trap? I did not see it in your amazon store 😫

[@reallybigplant]

I found it in person but I will shop around on amazon and try to add some similar items to my lists. thanks for reminding me!😊💜✨

[@wipqueen715]

Ok, so my pitcher plant has grown new pitchers, but I’ve never seen anything resembling a flower on it. My pitcher plant is also incredibly leggy. From the nice foliage at the base (pot), to the next beautiful full leafy area is something like 12 inches of bare stem. I’m afraid to cut them bc I don’t want to lose the leaves at the end of the stems. Any tips? 🤞♥️

[@kcototheyoyoyo]

Hoyas love perlite or pon propagation😍😍

[@jennykovacic5022]

I love propagating in perlite! The only issue that I have is the algae that grows on the surface of the perlite. Still have yet to solve that one.

[@reallybigplant]

Interesting that that’s an issue, thanks for sharing Jenny! I’ve noticed that I sometimes get algae in my water propagations, but it’s only ever in the ones that get some direct sun. Not sure if that has anything to do with it?🤔 I’ll keep an eye out for algae as I experiment more with perlite! thanks for watching!!🥰💜✨

[@ross1972]

Im sure a lot of people commented but Nepenthes need to be cut back hard and need goid humidity. You can propagate new plants in spaghnum moss. The basal rosettes are what produce the large pitchers. The hard part is to give lots of humidity and bright light. A terrarium or fish tank is ideal. In a kitchen with bright light like a window sill is often ok, especially for an easy species like alata. The potting mix also looked super dry. Neps need to be watered a lot.

[@brendaparker2466]

Do they control pests such as white flies and fungus gnats?

[@Killerspider762]

I'm curious if your cuttings will take. Given that the plant hasn't been fed from pitchers in so long I wonder if that will have a negative impact. Just make sure you get that plant more light and at least 1 heavy watering once a week you got this, pitchers EVREYWHERE soon. Btw you may know this but this is nepenthes Miranda, it will turn slightly red or bronze when you have strong lighting. I had 3 successful cuttings recently with my own. My plant is about 10 years old.

[@tonybezanson9625]

If you want to get some pitchers I suggest you give it more direct sunlight. I water mine about once a week with distilled or rain water only and they are planted in a 50/50 sphagnum moss and perlite. They don't like a soil mixture at all. Excess minerals can eventually kill your plants, thats why they are carnivorous. If you can bump up the humidity, they like it around 50% or more.

[@reallybigplant]

Thanks for this Tony! I’m strongly considering repotting into a mixture like that, thanks for sharing! 😊💜✨

[@iicechan5273]

I love pitcher plants and carnivorous plants in general but i always had zeroo luck :( ill admire the big growers from afar then 🤲🤲

[@reallybigplant]

I hope you have better luck with them someday!! Thanks so much for watching 🥰💜💜✨

[@bxitaliangirl]

What do you feed a Venus fly trap if you don't have bugs in your home? Also, can you do a video on Orchids? I bought a tiny orchid at Home Depot and after I brought it home, a couple of the flowers and buds just fell off.

[@reallybigplant]

You can buy live insects that you keep in the fridge to keep them relatively immobile until they get fed to the plants but it’s not something I’ve ever done, my plan is to try to catch some fungus gnats...but yeah I’ve never really fed mine, I need to!😬 I think sometimes when buying orchids that are already blooming, it’s common to lose the flower after not too long, and the buds could have already been damaged or “blasted” before you brought it home. Hopefully it grows some new flowers for you soon!😊 Thanks for watching Melissa!🥰💜✨

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

💚

[@hunterwiegele8962]

We have wild pitcher plants in Minnesota

[@SickBoiRENegade]

We won't breathe in rocks🤭... we promise! 😂😘

[@reallybigplant]

🙌🙌🙌thanks for taking care Dani!!🥰😁😁💜🙅‍♀️🪨💨✨

[@darkcoco6753]

Venus fly trap 1. They need room for their roots to grow which means bigger pot 2. The soil and water need to have no minerals( water being reverse osmosis, rain water and distilled water) regular or bottled water will kill it. 3. They need lots of sun light and room for the traps to span out

[@asmrcleaning7733]

I had a venus fly trap before and killed it because I didnt water it enough. I would love to learn more about them because I have always wanted to keep one.

[@khristinat5556]

I bought one from ALDIs in October and the leaves and heads started to turn black. I found out it meant they were dying basically. I snipped them and was left with 1 head. Out of nowhere in January, 4 heads grew. But now all of them turned yellow then black. I don’t think it’s going to come back.

[@reallybigplant]

That sounds just like what happened to every other venus flytrap I’ve had before this one! I think the problem for me was that they never got enough light, and my newest one is able to stay alive because of all the direct sun. It could also have to do with excess nutrients, but I’m definitely not an expert on these plants and I’m not sure! I hope you’re able to revive it, I think they have a bulb-like structure underground so maybe it’s recoverable if the roots aren’t rotten. Best of luck to your plant! Thanks for watching Shinko!🥰💜✨

[@connorshiver-collins7240]

Get it in moss it will make a lot of pitchers mine is over 14 feet tall and it has pitchers that catch mice in it

[@MarisaAndChew]

I need like 50 Venus fly traps, then maybe fungus gnats would be gone! Plus, if they want to be wet maybe they'll raise humidity naturally? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@cheryltavares2757]

I use a mask when repotting my plants just like when I clean my cat's litter boxes. the leavs almost resemble the growth of a banana tree.

[@jenniferjsaracino]

Pearlite is a limited resource too. Even less of it than moss. So everything has a downside, till we get a recycled media from human trash we’re stuck with choosing our substrate as wisely as possible.

[@reallybigplant]

✨💜💜💜thanks for this comment Jennifer, well said. I’ve been trying so hard to think of something usable...so far I keep coming back to marbles LOL🤔

[@FavOnIcon]

Holy crap...I'm surprised the vtf is even alive for being in that death cube for 3 months...

[@florencemcadam199]

Have you tried pollinating your pitcher plant to get pitchers?

[@reallybigplant]

Great question!!💫 No I have not because the pitchers are actually modified leaves, not a type of flower, so pollination wouldn’t result in pitchers but it’s how you’d make seeds 😊 nepenthes actually grow as separate male and female plants so in order to pollinate to produce seed, you need both a male and female plant. I forgot to mention all this in the video so thanks for asking Florence! 😁💜✨

[@jamesthickpenny]

looks like a male plant by the round pollen , feamale is more teardrop shaped. ?

[@logan_wilcox298]

So the plant in the video is actually nepenthes miranda not alata and it needs bright dappled light with rain water or distilled water

[@reallybigplant]

thanks so much for pointing out the nepenthes ID! I feel silly for not cross checking on the flowers and just blindly trusting the label🤦‍♀️ Do you know if any reliable resources that show the different flowers for pitcher plant species that you’d be willing to share? Thanks so much for watching and for the tips!!🥰💜✨

[@inexpensive_id]

*hope* *you* *guys* *are* *intertained* *with* *my* "penyelam amatiran" *video* , *happy* *watching* *and* *enjoy* 😇. *Passion* *for* *work* 🔥.

[@shannoncarr7338]

is that plant thirsty or is just me hah

[@suciindrawati1733]

You very very beauty

[@sunshinecarnivores1919]

Seeing you put that flytrap in a terrarium is making me cringe. They are not good terrarium plants; in the carnivorous plant community we call them death cubes. Flytraps don't need as much humidity as you think.