Welcome to the group! I'm sure you'll find answers to all of
your questions about CP here.
>
> I have always been interested in carnivorous plants; I find them
> fascinating! I have never grown a CP, being afraid I would kill it or
> not be able to feed it (what do you feed them indoors? does one catch
> insects?). But in reading several articles lately, I have decided it
> may not be so difficult, so I'm plunging in.
Glad to see you read up on it first before plunging in
and then asking questions. CP's will do fine indoors. I grow the
majority of mine indoors with only a few in the greenhouse here.
Other than the occasional indoor heatwave, they do quite all right!
I think you'll find that there are enough insects indoors to
keep your CP's happy. Fruit flies are almost always found in the
local grocers and it's likely that you'll end up bringing some of
them in by accident. However, you can always culture your own.
Of course, CP's also are very effective at controlling
your fly, mosquito, ant, or any other insect problems that may
arise inside your household.
I wouldn't bother catching insects for your plants unless
you're completely sure they're not getting anything, in which case
you might want to go to the local college and ask if they have a
genetic's lab that uses fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster)
for experimentation. They'll likely have lot's extra!
>
> I am particularly interested in finding varieties of CP that would grow
> outside in my climate (subtropical Florida, Zone 10) and providing as
> natural a habitat as possible for them. I have seen pitcher plants
> growing wild near the highway not too far from my home. I have
> containers for water plants and I think perhaps some sarracenias or
> utricularias might grow for me. I would be grateful for any direction!
You're quite fortunate. I think most CP's will grow fairly
well outdoors except for those that need a resting period. There
are people on the list that can probably help you more than I can
(Tom, do you grow CP's outside?). I don't think you'll have many
problems growing them in your area though. For a starter Sarracenia,
I'd recommend S.flava for your area. They're cheap compared to others
and relatively hardy. Can't recommend a Utric, although I'm sure you
probably see them growing wild in the ditches (my dream!).
>
> I am very happy to be allowed to join this group and look forward to
> hearing from you! Thank you.
Allowed? We graciously welcome anyone who wants to join,
no hazing necessary ;-)! Welcome to the group and happy CPing!
>
> Deleted
>
>
Chris Teichreb
Department of Biology
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, CANADA
teichrch@meena.cc.uregina.ca