Gatekeepers: Exposing The Ugly Truth About The Carnivorous Plant Hobby!

[@steffen7624]

I think the most gatekeeping people are the staff in the gardencenters and the authors of the typical houseplant care websides. When I wanted to buy my first carnivorous plant in a gardencenter (a drosera capensis) I asked the gardener how to take care of it. She told me that this is one of the most difficult plants to care for and that it will die after I buy it. Then she laughed at me arrogantly. When I wanted to buy a pitcher plant for my windowsill I looked it up in the Internet how to take care for it. The websides said that it is extremely difficult to keep pitcher plants and almost impossible on a windowsill. They say that you need 80% humidity, a terrarium, not too much light and misting. Now I have a Drosera Capensis, a Nepenthes Ventrata and a Nepenthes Gaya on my south facing windowsill with 40 to 50% humidity, a lot of light and no misting. They don't get sunburned, they make lots of red colored big pitchers and grow like weed.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

That’s crazy!!! Makes me so upset that people are basing what they hear from others or their own bad experience as a reason to persuade people not to grow these amazing plants. Great insight!

[@steffen7624]

@@Carnivorousplanthelp The crazy thing about this is that a some hybrids are so easy that they don't even need a substrate. I found a post of a guy in germany who grows them in water only for years.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

That’s crazy cool!!!

[@craytonbowman6902]

Been in carnivorus community for years an I've never ran into people trying to block people from getting in carnivorus, if anything we want everyone to get into carnivorus plants

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

I see it the most on the Facebook groups to be honest. But that makes me feel good. I joined the groups to help people and was appalled by how they were being treated. It’s okay to give feedback but there was no corrective action on how and what to do to fix the issue.

[@jeremymoore16]

Personally, I have never seen true "Gate Keeping" on social media. I have been in this hobby for around 23 years. With the advent of social media. I have seen a massive rise in Narcissism, Dunning Kruger effect, intellectual laziness and trash information being passed as fact. People have literally become dumber because the majority of people do not seek alternative information. I have been banned from a beginner group because I wanted to talk about advanced topics. Topics of which beginners should be exposed to (Lights and how they work). I have been shouted down about recommending RO machines that use garden hose attachments because "Its too advanced of a topic and too difficult to install". I then realized that a lot of the heavy hitter growers, that actually know what they are talking about, also stay away from these groups. Probably for the same reasons as I do. Which is not good because there is a massive bottleneck of good information, rare plants and shared experiences. Then in the long run you end up with true gatekeeping where break away communities are formed, kept secret and are invite only (Which is happening BTW). If you want to fix this issue. Start countering the BS information in the beginner groups and start sharing information that sets up beginners for success. Most of all. Start shunning the bad actors.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

That is a very valid and great point. I am sorry that you have been turned away when you were trying to help. Those topics are very important and should be covered too. I had no idea when I made this video how deep the rift was. This is a great point. I think lumping experienced growers who want to help into the same categories as people who just are rude and don’t provide any insight is just as dangerous to the hobby. If there is any doubt, this video is in no way an attempt to lump well intentioned seasoned growers in with gatekeeping. What I am referring to is people I saw that were just mean, laughed at people’s questions, told them to stay out of the hobby, etc. that is far distant from giving tough feedback with advice. I can tell you that all insight from seasoned growers is welcomed and appreciated in my group. We would be doing just as big of an injustice to new growers if we kept growing insight to surface level topics. Great point and insight. Thank you for sharing.

[@jeremymoore16]

​@@Carnivorousplanthelp I appreciate the kind words. What happened to me is ultimately insignificant in the grander scheme of things. It for sure left me bewildered because I couldn't believe there were people out there who actually shunned knowledge. I get the vibe that it's an ego "Stay in your lane" thing. I periodically have to remind my self that social media was designed in a particular way to be addictive. People will virtue signal and partake in nonsense to farm likes. They want that dopamine hit of feeling like they belong and social media rewards their degenerate behavior.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Yeah I can’t imagine why anyone would shun knowledge. Those beginner growers will soon be more proficient and will need that more in depth knowledge. It is a shame if groups are holding that knowledge back and I would have to question why and what the motivation is for sure. Your experience and insight is always welcome here for sure!

[@peterashby-saracen3681]

This kind of behaviour is shameful, whatever the motives for it. I'm in Spain and haven't really seen this kind of behaviour very much in Europe but I'm keen to learn so I do go onto sites in the US, Australia, etc. I've also seen it happening on orchid and other plant hobbyist forums so unfortunately it seems to be quite widespread. At the end of the day, these people are elitist, arrogant and patronising and I would advise anybody coming across such negative and abusive attitudes to report them immediately to the forum moderator. Fortunately, there are experienced growers who are only too happy to share their knowledge and the joy of growing these wonderful plants.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Couldn’t have said it better. I don’t understand what motivates these people. You are right though, there are a lot of people who are willing to help and that is what makes this hobby so great!

[@billzimmerman5464]

I haven't run into much negativity. It's a matter of learning the basics. They really are easy to grow. Much easier and faster than orchids. A good greenhouse or grow tent makes it much easier. Good on you for helping beginners and those thst are ignorant of the growing requirements. Thanks!

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Thank you for the kind words. Yeah I don’t know why they get such a bad name for being difficult. I stayed away from them for so long because of it and I regret that very much.

[@DannyStammers]

I get the idea that some of these gatekeepers have the need to feel special for keeping things that not many others do. Since I don't use facebook, and haven't found any forums for the EU specifically, I haven't encountered these people in this hobby yet. What you said about information not being out there rings true to me. There are so many 'species spotlights' that don't exist, or specific grow tips, experiments, etc. I decided to start working on my own channel with website to become the backbone of it all, to increase the info out there. I can complain about it, or I can do my best to dó something about it. Even though I'm a newer grower. I'm still in the planning and designing phase, though. (Posting this to give myself a kick in the butt to get on with it 😛)

[@peterashby-saracen3681]

Good luck with the channel and website!

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Yes, I second that!!

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

That’s awesome!! Let me know how it goes and if you need any help!! I am always a resource!!!

[@simplymeconnie4003]

I am new to the whole community and came across the biggest arse out there. I did my research on VFT before purchasing some. Someone asked a question and no one was chatting with her about her issue. So, I did my best and tried to help. A "Chad" came at me telling me I didn't know chit and to shut up. My eye brow raised. I just left the group it happened in. Your group, I came across and actually helped a woman with her fly trap, educating her on how to care for the plant. It's a hobby. A fun hobby. If someone wants to come at me for offering advice, I usually lose my chit. I am stubborn and won't let the bullies sway me away. I surprisingly managed to grow a fly trap from seed so, I may know a wee bit!

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Sorry to hear that happened to you. If you remember, can you send me the person’s last name so that I can handle the situation. Thank you for stepping in and helping someone. I am very appreciative of that. I have been very sick lately so I haven’t had as much time to devote to ensuring everyone is following the community guidelines. If that ever happens, reach out to me and I will take care of it.

[@erikamarshall6009]

This is a very diplomatic and fair video. Thank you for calling attention to this.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Thank you for the kind words and support. This has been the most exhausting video I have made. The feedback has been very aggressive unfortunately. I wasn’t anticipating the level of anger it would raise. It has been taxing. However I still feel it is important. I am thankful for your positivity and kindness.

[@keithbaumgart38]

Unfortunately this problem is not just here but everywhere. Allot of people in society seem to have no purpose in life if they have no enemies even if that means they have to create them themselves. I truly appreciate people like you that doesn't understand that twisted way of thinking by putting the humanity back into human. Keep doing your thing by growing not only your plants but also yourself. 😁

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Thank you for the kind words and support!! I will keep being kind and trying to help people. Hopefully that will shine through!!

[@livingroom7609]

For me I find that the gatekeeping is more of an ego thing. With the common misconceptions around Venus flytraps and the poor packaging information on them the average grower might see carnivorous plants as a change. Now that we have rare carnivorous plants in the hobby I think some like to tell people how hard it is to grow them. This both creates the illusion that they are a better grower than they seem to be since they are claiming it is super hard, and it discourages more ppl from growing them which makes their plant and growth seem more rare. But to all the new growers, and I can’t say this enough, Try pushing yourself and your skills of growing. I’m sure you will find that it’s not as hard as you thought and you will be able to keep that plant you have always dreamed of! Happy growing💚

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Well said! I couldn’t agree more! I really hate that I let negative talk keep me out of the hobby for as long as I did!

[@WastedTalent-]

Gatekeepers are in every hobby. I've been keeping and breeding reptiles for 40 years, worked in pet stores for 20 years, and have found that there are two types of people: The practical and the anally fanatical. The anally fanatical are the gatekeepers. Everything you do will kill your pet unless you do exactly what they do and spend the money they did. I also found that in every hobby I enjoy. I've given up on forums and FB groups because of gatekeepers.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Couldn’t have said it better! Great insight. I do notice that they are much more prevalent on the forums and Facebook for sure!

[@claytonbenignus4688]

The Number One Objective is to keep all Carnivorous from going Extinct. If this Objective is accomplished, have all the Fun and Profit you want.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

I couldn’t have said it better! This is great!!! Turning a profit is not bad at all; it is good. It keeps plants available for sale. I meant that it can’t be all about that only.

[@pcisek6971]

Ah bullshit, the only reason anyone has a business is to make a profit. Pearl river exotics has help sessions

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

So there you go. It’s okay to make a profit for sure, but it can’t be the only driving force.

[@MogoMojo-50]

this gatekeeping thing i definatly one of the biggest reasons why the hobby is so small and slow growing i hope this stops soon after the people promoting gatekeeping finally realizing that there hobby and all thre plants are worthless now that no on is interested of it or to buy them making there hobby worthless by them if they continue further

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Yeah I agree! I’m hoping to expose this issue and the people doing it. It benefits no one to keep people out of the hobby. I am looking to ensure that anyone that wants to grow these plants is given a chance to and given all the help they need!

[@pcisek6971]

Honestly, the main issue is people don’t know how to learn how to take care of these plants. No Miracle gro A lot of light (DEPENDING ON GENUS) like an all fairness if you’re trying to grow a sarracenia inside you’re gonna be wasting a lot of electricity on very bright lights because they need outdoor sunlight levels There’s other gatekeepers out there we should be worried about then people giving feedback

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Yeah that is a good point. I think that giving feedback is definitely different than gatekeeping to a point. Where it becomes problematic is when there isn’t any corrective action. So for example what you put I think is completely fine. There is corrective actions in there and guidance. It’s when people are just being negative with no help. You are right though, there are others out there that are far worse for sure!

[@pcisek6971]

Bruh artificial inflation is in every hobby

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Absolutely, however the more people collect the more it will drive prices to a reasonable level. Obviously they should be able to cover their expenses and make a profit for sure. But the levels some of these plants are at are insane.

[@pings_n_things]

Your profit motive explanation doesn't square with reality. Post-COVID, demand has dropped significantly while supply increased simultaneously. Enticing new buyers is really the only way to increase the price equilibrium for these plants. Your explanation would also suggest that it is the nurseries that are behind said gatekeeping, which is frankly ridiculous.

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Yeah I can respect that. I do think that it is perfectly fine to make a profit off of these plants for sure as that keeps people being able to sell them. What I was trying to say is that it should be all about the profit. I don’t think nurseries are trying to keep people out of the hobby, I do however think that raising prices so high does in fact keep people from being able to get into the hobby. It’s not a ridiculous argument at all. I have talked with hundreds of people who want to collect more or want to get into the hobby but can’t because it is too expensive.

[@Wiseexotics]

1st few years , I got a minority of people telling me I couldn't do it or can't grow this or that plant. I did and have ╮⁠(⁠＾⁠▽⁠＾⁠)⁠╭ . I think it's a few bad experiences, or bad clones or regurgitation of others experiences that cause this. We all can have bad things happen, but using them as a stepping stone to learn from the issue is the key imo to move forward 😄

[@Carnivorousplanthelp]

Absolutely! I could agree more. Yeah I think for a lot of people they have a bad experience and they think it’s the plants. Or they hear something is hard and now it gets blown out of proportion.