one of my 7 Heavenly Lusts
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Darlingtonia californica As the name suggests, Darlingtonia californica was discovered just south of Mt. Shasta, California. They are native to extreme Northern California and southern Oregon. Primarily mountain plants, at the highest elevations the plants are covered with snow in the winter. In the wild D. californica is found in sphagnum bogs, wet grassy meadows, or on gravelly slopes of rock where water is constantly trickling – they love areas where water is cool, slow-moving, and fresh. These carnivorous plants are closely related to Sarracenia especially S. minor and S. psittacina, with which they share many similarities. The root system of D. californica is considerably more expansive compared with other plants in the family Sarraceniaceae, and they can survive fire by regenerating via their roots. Its most unusual trait is the ability to produce long underground runners where plants emerge and very quickly reach maturity. (I think that’s what happened with Darla.) The slippery walls and hairs of the pitcher tube prevent trapped prey from escaping. In addition to the lubricating secretions and downward-pointing hairs common to all North American pitcher plants to force their prey into the trap, this species (along with S. minor and S. psittacina) uses its curled operculum (hood) to hide the tiny exit hole from trapped insects and offers multiple translucent false exits. Upon trying many times to escape via the false exits, the insect will tire and fall down into the trap. Recent studies confirm that Darlingtonia secretes at least one proteolytic enzyme that digests captured prey. |
 Darla (9.9.2021) 4.30.2024:
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Temperature: These are temperate plants, prefering cool to warm day-time temperatures and cold or cool night-time temperatures. If grown outdoors, Mediterranean-like climates like you’d find in the coastal regions from Seattle to San Diego would be ideal. Protect pots from hot sun or submerge in the ground to keep their roots cool. Grows best when the roots are kept cooler than the rest of the plant. Light: Full sun to part shade, with best coloration in the sun. (I grow mine next to one of the “greenhouses” so she’s not sitting directly under the grow light.) According to The Savage Garden, “Suprisingly good candidate for east-facing or sometimes windowless north windowsills.” Humidity: D. californica prefer sunny conditions if in a humid, warm location, and prefer part-shade if humidity is low or fluctuates often. Soil: One part long-fibered sphagnum moss to one part perlite OR two parts perlite, lava rock, and/or pumice to one part peat. The mix should be airy. Adding lava rock will help keep the roots cool. Always use containers with drainage holes. Not suitable for terrariums. Watering: Water overhead using the tray method. (I empty out her tray and give Darla fresh water every morning.) Always use cool water; you can even refrigerate the water if you live in a warmer climate. On hot days, place ice cubes of purified water on the soil surface. As with all carnivorous plants, only use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water. Feeding: You can feed your plant sow bugs, crickets, or dried insects. Note: A light foliar feeding once or twice a month during the growing season works well. Use Miracid, Orchid 30-10-10, or Epiphytic fertilizer. D. californica is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. |
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