How to grow Heliamphoras
Heliamphoras are carnivorous plants with upright, cone-shaped traps. These traps work by gravity, luring prey that enters or falls into the trap and cannot escape. These plants naturally occur in the table-top mountains of South America. Below is a concise guide How to grow Heliamphoras, organized by the conditions they require:
Light conditions: Provide maximum diffused light. They do not tolerate intense, direct light.
Temperature: They grow well at room temperature. The plants are sensitive to overheating and thrive best at temperatures up to 25°C. They benefit from nighttime temperature drops.
Substrate: An airy substrate is essential. Use clean fibrous peat mixed with perlite and pine bark as a base. Sphagnum moss also works well. Mix all components in similar proportions.
Air humidity: Ensuring higher air humidity is beneficial. This can be achieved by placing them in a terrarium or misting regularly.
Watering: The substrate should always remain moist. Avoid letting the plants sit in water to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, the plants can be „fed“ with insects if they cannot catch their own prey. If insects are available, the plants will capture them independently. Other forms of fertilizing are unsuitable.
Photographs of Heliamphoras can be found in the „My Collection“ section.