Growing Carnivorous Plants

by Barry Rice

For centuries, carnivorous plants have carried an air of fascination and mystique unparalleled in the plant world. Growing Carnivorous Plants is a comprehensive guide to identifying and cultivating these remarkable plants. From the well-known Venus flytrap to obscure African sundews, from the giant pitcher plant vines of Borneo the microscopic bladderworts of Florida, more than 200 species, hybrids and cultivars from all genera of carnivorous plants are described. Included are explanations of the fascinating and diverse mechanisms the plants use to trap their victims. Imitating a plant's natural environment is the key to success in growing carnivorous plants, and this book will help readers select the best plants to grow on a windowsill, in a terrarium or greenhouse. Information on how to feed carnivorous plants will enable even the most squeamish grower to ensure that plants receive the nutrients they require. The book's 400 photographs include both spectacular images from the wild and lovely plants in cultivation.

Genres: Gardening, Plants

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Savage Garden will always remain the go to book for carnivorous plants but this book by Barry Rice is a good addition to my library. Well laid out with clear information on cultivation that will be useful to anyone in their hobby. With the addition of the very endangered Drosera Regia to my collection I made sure I was completely read up on care for this amazing plant and this book by Barry Rice did not disappoint.

[J.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven't grown CPs (carnivorous plants) for a few years I haven't forgotten my interest and fascination for them, so I was excited to see that Barry Rice had written a book on the subject. Barry has long been one of the most dedicated and accessible "experts" on the topic, and his talents combined with his sense of humor often make for great reading. This book departs somewhat from the usual treatments on CPs, beginning with a whole chapter discussing CPs in popular culture, which I was glad to see even includes a photo from the movie "Little Shop of Horrors." Another departure is where he seems to give equal attention to each genus of plants, rather than focusing heavily on the more commonly grown ones, such as Sarracenia, Drosera, and Nepenthes (personally, I always appreciated the bias towards Sarracenia, but I recall that Barry was more partial to underappreciated plants like Utricularia). It is also a bit heavier on the topic of conservation than most - something he's more aware of than the rest of us.

I find it difficult not to make comparisons to other books when there have always been so few available on the topic. But I was slightly disappointed to find that growing advice seems a bit thin and almost noncommittal, although I had to admit that it was accurate (it's hard to say which "way" is best in growing many CPs because what may work for one grower doesn't for another - a point made clear in the book). I think for a novice to CPs The Savage Garden is perhaps the best book available for straightforward advice on cultivation. And while I've truly enjoyed this book, particularly the sections near the end discussing seeing CPs in the wild, the species by species chapters left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. But the one facet where this book is head and shoulders above all others is in the photos! Barry's photography skills and willingness to get out into the field with the plants and get muddy make this book an essential addition to the library of any CP'er. It certainly left me eager for the time when my schedule allows for a CP collection again.

[Kain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo fajna książka, dobrze poprowadzona i przystępnie prezentująca wiedzę. Jako "początkujący" w temacie jestem zadowolony. Świat roślin owadożernych jest fascynujący, a lektura tej książki to wzmaga.
Jedyny minus, że pomimo dużej liczby zdjęć, przy niektórych opisach odmian nie było żadnego obrazka. Sam opis nie wystarcza czasem - jedno zdjęcie zrobiłoby znacznie lepszą robotę. Na szczęście to marginalne.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, with a special emphasis on conservation and history. I only wish it had a bit more specific growing information. Good resources listed at the end.

[Miguel Bizarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to grow some when Spring arrives.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the book told me more about how to care for them. But a pretty good book.