Plants that have been allowed to develop fully in the soil before being fed to the livestock, whether for human consumption or for re-use in another setting, do require distilled water. Even if one is considering growing carnivorous plants for pet use, one must understand that these plants are much different from other plants that are simply grown for a decorative effect. Vegetables and herbs do not need distilled water. Plants such as these must be kept well watered and properly monitored to ensure they have not become too woody.
There are many variables to take into consideration before one starts to grow any plants. You will need to know the climate of the area you live in as well as the amount of sunlight that can be received. This will ensure that the plants will not develop too quickly or need to be supplemented with additional lighting. If there is no nearby stream or lake, it may be sufficient to supply the plants with city water or well water.
Watering is an important part of caring for any plant, whether carnivorous or not. It is important to keep the soil at a healthy moisture level. The frequency of watering will also depend on the amount of sunlight the plant receives. New foliage and growth will not have the same support as mature leaves so watering should be done when the top of the plant reaches around 60% of the total height of the foliage.
The type of plant as well as its position in the soil will affect the frequency of watering. For example, a tall shrub needs more water than a smaller one. A desert plant or one planted in a sandy soil area will need less water than plants in a clay environment. Plants with white flowers or foliage on the lower half of the stem will not need as much water.
Like all animals, carnivores are affected by weather. Cold temperatures or cool nights will make the soil damp or even dank. This will reduce the flow of air and thereby reducing the humidity of the surrounding area. A humidifier will add moisture to the air thus helping the plant to remain active and growing.
Many people believe that plant leaves will discolor with exposure to water. This is not true, as water does not affect the colouration of the leaf. It is possible for a leaf to change colour after contact with water but this rarely occurs. The only exceptions are when leaves are stressed due to physical or chemical damage. Discolouration will occur if the plant has been stressed for a long period of time.
Some plants contain a natural pesticide called lycopodium. If the leaves of your plants have developed this disease do not touch or handle them. Contact a local pest control company instead. They will be able to identify the disease and advise you on how to eradicate it. Do not use the affected leaves to replace the colour of healthy ones.
Most carnivorous plants are not picky about the conditions in which they live. As long as the conditions are right they will thrive. They will not necessarily need any additional help with their water requirements. It is important to keep the plant well watered though as overwatering can cause a build up of organic debris around the base of the plant. This can restrict its ability to absorb nutrients. Plants that are in good health will usually quite happily survive on a regular watering schedule.
The carnivore plant is very different to a fruit tree in the way it grows. It needs a lot of sunlight to grow well. It also does not have bark, and its leaves are spirally aligned to reduce water loss from evaporation. A regular watering routine should be adequate, although do avoid overwatering. Excess water causes the roots to become compacted and as a result the plant becomes less aerated and its energy level falls.
The tap water in most parts of the world contains chlorine and other chemicals. These can cause damage to the leaves and the roots of the plant. If these chemicals are not removed from the water the plant will become stunted. Addition of minerals will help though, so make sure you buy a good mineral supplement.
Plants that are carnivorous also have an extra requirement for trace minerals. Because their leaves are short and lack barbs, they have difficulty breaking down plant matter to obtain these nutrients. Do not buy supplements that claim to add such nutrients. Carnivorous plants need distilled water and minerals to survive.