Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 09:18:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Chris Teichreb <cjteichr@sfu.ca> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2489$foo@default> Subject: Re: Advice for feeding the plants
Hi Chris,
> I have been reading how feeding the plants seems to be beneficial
> for them. But I am sorry, I could not bring my self to feed live
> animals of any kind to my plants. I also don't want to buy dead
> mice from the pet store or anything like that. I know fish flakes
> is supposed to be good for drosera, but are there any other
> alternatives for the bigger plants like nepenthes?
>
> Chris F.
>
You picked the wrong hobby then ;)! Seriously, these plants
capture lots and lots of live creatures naturally, so why would you want
to change this in cultivation? If you've grown your plants outside,
you'll know just how effective they can be. Sarrs overflow with hornets,
flies, etc., Drosera will catch tons of fungus gnats. You can't honestly
say you're upset when your plants catch insects like mosquitoes now, can
you? If so, see line one :)!
Just so you know, fish flakes are composed primarily of fish meal,
so you're still feeding your plants animals. A lot of fertilizers, which
are the main alternative to insects, are fish based as well.
If it's just the idea of feeding mammals to your plants that
grosses you out, try the various insects available at pet stores including
mealworms and crickets. Fruit flies are easily bred and Drosera, Pings,
etc. love them. Just stick them in the fridge (the flies) to slow them
down first.
Happy growing,
Chris
**********************************
Chris Teichreb
Department of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, B.C.
cjteichr@sfu.ca
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