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In all of nature, perhaps the most unique plants of all are the species that rely on "visitors" to survive as they grow in soil deficient of nutrients. Their "visitors" are insects in search of a "free-meal" which supplies the plant with its much needed source of food. I have been raising these rare tropical plants with great success for years right here in Oregon which in itself is quite amazing that they will actually survive in this climate.
Most people know well of the "Venus Fly Trap," but many are unaware of the most viscious insect catchers of them all, the tall Pitcher Plants sometimes called "Trumpets" which come in a wide variety of beautiful colours. Some may grow up to 5' in height and become so full of insects that they eventually fall over because of the weight! Thought I would share with all of you this OT which might be of interest to fellow longhairs.
The plants must be kept damp at all times, for without water they wilt quickly and cannot be rescued. Hence they are found in wet bogs in their tropical native habitats.
In short, the insect is attracted to the plant by colour and scent. Nature has been so kind in giving its unsuspecting "host" a "Landing-Pad" on which to alight. From there the insect goes for the "bait," that being the delicious nectar that is produced beneath the plants top opening. But insect beware! The more you drink of this devine beverage, the closer you come to losing your grip as you "Pig-Out" on this most delicious beverage of the Gods. And when you slip there is no escape. The inside walls of the plants are slippery, but "if" you are able to somehow climb high enough upwards, downward pointing sharp hairs will be met with that will stab you and thus cause you to drop once again. Buzz as much as you want inside, your life is short lived. Before long another victum "tops the pile" of other deceased cousins, Aunts, Uncles and other "Loved-ones" of the insect world.
Photo of an assortment of plants growing happily side by side.
Close-up of a "Copper-Top" Pitcher.
The flowers produced by these plants are ever so gorgeous.
The White-Topped Trumpet. Best catcher of them all and unfortunally now extinct to the small area they once occupied.
To an insect, colour such as is this must be like suddenly seeing a Candy Store ahead. Yum-Yum............for the plant that is. LOL
AH! Nothing like being attracted to this one. And to think, on a hot day such a nice pool to take a little swim in. But wait, once you slip into that pool the plants acids begin to slowly dissolve you. Such a pity. "If" you decide to climb out, those sharp hairs make your escape impossible. Might as well do what all the other bugs and insects do, that being: "THE DEAD MANS FLOAT!"
Last Pic:
A group of Carnivours. Hungry and waiting patiently for their next feast. "Flys, Bees, Hornets, Spiders.........please give of yourselves a helping hand to these Orchid-like plants. For always remember, it is much better to give than receive."
Hope you guys have enjoyed this little diversion into the world of Carnivorous Plants. Now, if I could only grow one for humans that make fun of we longhairs. Wouldn't that be great! LOL :-)
Justin~
LMAO! Remarkable exposition of the "monster" plants, Justin.
~ChrisH
That's wild Justin and yes if only we could breed a species of short haired man eating plant that would grow in abundance in Texas.
Kevin
Absulutely beautiful! I don't have much opportunity to see such nice and exotic flowers here on the east coast in NJ lol.
Thanks for sharing Justin.
-Phil
Does a picture of my postage stamp window box qualify!
Cheers,
John.B
Thanks for sharing your very successful "Monsters". I am an avid gardener....you would be surprised what will grow in the desert...
What part of Oregon are you in, Justin? I am headed to Puget Sound in a couple of weeks and will be taking different routes to and from.....perhaps a quick visit??
Walter
I had the same question. I am near Hermiston by the Columbia. I was wondering if they would survive here or are in in the mountains? Near the coast? They are awesome.
Hi Quester
I have never heard of Hermiston, but of course know well of the Columbia River from White Salmon Wa. down to where it empties into the Pacific in Astoria. The plants would grow very well for you for sure if within this area and I could let you in on all of the secrets I have learned through the years to assure their survival. Near the coast would be ideal as well as in the mountains unless you are thinking the likes of atop Mt. Hood. Too cold, but nearer the base I see no reason why they could not grow well for you. The important thing is as much sun as possible during the Summers.
Justin~
Ummm Pendleton then, Eastern Oregon.
Yes. The plants should grow quite well in this area.
Hey Walter
Certainly you are welcome to see the plants 1st hand and actually meet this most excentric longhaired Justin as well. It would be a great pleasure. (Just don't try and stuff me into one of those pitchers however.) LOL :-)
I'll be emailing you later, but for now I am about 25 miles west of Portland.
LUCKY! Puget Sound, Port Townsend, the San Jaun Islands, Victoria BC. Absolutely gorgeous up that way and I have not been there since 2001.
Until later
Take care-
Justin~
Interesting. Usually, animals eat plants, but this is the other way around. By the way, I already know about Venus fly-traps, butterworts, pitcher plants, and other bug-eating plants.
Regardless
i'm so jealous!! i've tried to grow a few, but it's never worked out for me. i would love to have a garden like this. you can post pictures like this anytime you like IMHO.
Hi Justin,
Thank you for sharing these awesome photos, of these beautiful and incredibly colourful plants, and for telling us something about them! There are a lot of truly wonderful creations on this planet that we call home.
Thank you for sharing,
David
Those sure are beautiful photos and plants Justin!
Frank
Greetings Justin, what a great pic of those pitcher plants...fascinating. Shows the raw beauty and viciousness of the natural world don't you think??? Congrats on cultivating them in your climate. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Max
Hi Justin
Wow thats what I call plantology!LOL.I never knew of such plants other than the Venus one that I think everyone has heard of.Hey I could use a bunch of those here in NJ as we have plenty of critters to feed them:)Maybe I should check Home Depot or Lowes ....HMMMMMMMM Naw I guess thats too violent for them.Don't want to upset the soccer moms should the little ones see the bugs get toasted!LOL.Thanks for the interesting but yet off topic post.At least I learned something today:)Take care my friend.
Mark
Beautiful, Justin. There's a variety of these that grow in the wild in south Alabama. A friend of mind has spent hours hiking into the area where they are to photograph them. These of yours are really wonderful.
Bob
Beautiful!!
Bruce
They certainly are fascinating Justin, it looks like 'The Day of the Triffids'. I used to have a Venus Fly Trap as a child and loved watching the flies meet a sticky end!
Regards,Dave
Wow, Justin! You have a green thumb for sure. These are cool plants indeed. They are so colorful too. I've actually seen plants similar to those growing wild around here in wet and marshy areas around ponds.
It's amazing you can grow such plants in a different climate then were the are supposed to grow.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you who commented on this little hobby of mine and could appreciate the beauty of these plants. Although tropical, I believe that with care they can be grown to some degree of success just about anywhere. I even know of one who grows varieties of these in Maine! (Of course, in that area they do not grow as tall........but they DO GROW and make it through the Winter provided that they are well insulated.)
Thanks again guys. Your comments were very much appreciated.
Wishing each and everyone of you a fine Summer.
Justin~
Most people never get a chance to see these plants. They are truly amazing and beautiful.
Thanks for posting these pics!