Feeding of CP's
Carlstrom_Rick (Carlstrom_Rick%P-AME-HQ.CCBRIDGE.SEAA.mrouter@seaa.navsea.navy.mil)
13 Oct 95 12:07:00 EST
Most of my CP growing is indoors. I used to try and fed them every
so often by catching insects outside and manually feeding the plants
indoors. After attending the Eastern CP convention in Caroline County
I realized that many of the Sarracenia's grow fine outside in the
Virginia climate. So, I moved my S. flava outside. To my delight it
started catching lots of yellow jackets. I mean like three or four a
day at least. One of the pitchers that was almost 3 ft tall filled up
to within 2 inches of the rim. After attending many outdoor picnics
where yellow jackets continually try to swim in your can of coke this
seemed like fitting retribution. They would struggle for a day or two
and then just expire. Next I placed my VFTs outside. I had done this
before and had no success. However, when placed in close proximity to
the S. flava I found that the VFTs became successful hunters. Perhaps
the strong scent of the S. flava could attract insects from far away.
Once in the general area the insects could also smell (or see) the
VFTs. My conclusion would be if you want to feed your CP just put
them outside. The more the better as the concentration of nectar will
have a more far reaching influence on the insect community.
Remember, during the hot summer you will need to be especially
careful about watering any outdoor CP.
Rick