9 Types of Carnivorous Plants: Names and Photos You Need to Know

If you’ve been wondering what types of carnivorous plants exist, pay attention to their classification by the type of trap they use to catch prey:

• Carnivorous plants that use leaf folding.
• Carnivorous plants that employ sticky hairs.
• Carnivorous plants featuring pitcher-shaped leaves containing liquid.

Now, we will show you some examples of carnivorous plant types. In the following sections, we will explore specific species within these types, their features, and images.

• Sarracenia
• Drosera
• Nepenthes
• Cephalotus follicularis
• Aldrovanda vesiculosa
• Dionaea muscipula, known as the Venus flytrap
• Darlingtonia californica
• Drosophyllum lusitanicum
• Pinguicula grandiflora

Sarracenia are carnivorous plants native to North America. They exhibit a characteristic tubular shape, with a nectar that attracts insects produced at the top. Once inside the plant’s tubular structure, insects cannot escape and are digested. Some of its species include:

• Sarracenia purpurea
• Sarracenia leucophylla
• Sarracenia flava

Commonly known as Sun Dew, this genus of carnivorous plants is one of the most prolific. They excel in their hunting strategy: they produce sticky droplets rich in sugars that ensnare insects seeking to feed on them. At that moment, the plant reacts, closing around the trapped insects, leading to their demise due to suffocation or exhaustion.

Notable species within the Drosera genus include:

• Drosera capensis
• Drosera rotundifolia
• Drosera spatulata
• Drosera binata
• Drosera aliciae

Nepenthes, also known as pitcher plants or monkey cups, are native to tropical regions and are particularly striking due to their beautiful pitcher traps filled with a sugary liquid that entices insects. One common name comes from observing monkeys drinking rainwater from these traps. Additionally, in the wild, some species grow so large that they are termed giant carnivorous plants, though rarer species also exist.

Some species include:

• Nepenthes ventricosa
• Nepenthes bicalcarata
• Nepenthes rajah
• Nepenthes alata
• Nepenthes ventrata
• Nepenthes attenboroughii

This small carnivorous plant originates from Australia and feeds through cup-like structures formed by its leaves, where insects drown. It is the only species among various carnivorous plants where leaves and traps are fully differentiated.

Commonly called the Waterwheel Plant, this aquatic carnivorous plant floats in still waters. Its tiny traps are located at the end of each leaf; they close upon being touched, ensnaring small prey for nourishment.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most recognized names among carnivorous plants. The Venus flytrap is one of the most famous and widely depicted. Its unique traps resemble jaws lined with teeth and shut when they sense an insect or small animal, like an amphibian or tiny mammal, landing on them, beginning its digestive process.

The Darlingtonia, known as the cobra plant, gets its common name from its snake-like appearance, resembling a cobra lifting its head and sticking out its tongue. Its tubular leaves form traps that extend outward. Inside these traps, insects become ensnared and are digested in no time.

The Drosophyllum lusitanicum or most commonly known as the Sun Dew is unique within its genus. It thrives in dryer climates compared to most carnivorous plants and is known for being difficult to cultivate. Its sticky leaves, covered in mucilage, ensnare insects that come into contact with them, leading to digestion.

This insectivorous herb is also known by names like water violet, large-flowered butterwort, or source flower. It thrives in temperate climates and is particularly noted for its large violet flower, significantly larger than typical flowers found in other plants of its kind. Although it doesn’t possess a proper trap, its sticky leaves occasionally catch small insects, which it then consumes.

Most carnivorous plants require extensive care to thrive whether at home or in the garden. Here are some key care points for carnivorous plants:

• Many of them are tropical plants that need their substrate to remain constantly moist. It’s recommended to mist their leaves with water almost daily.
• Many require substrates with a high percentage of moss due to their origins in humid tropical environments. This factor is crucial; neglecting to provide a moss substrate could lead to issues with your carnivorous plant.
• Furthermore, carnivorous plants do not tolerate direct sunlight exposure well, especially during peak hours. Some species might develop a striking red hue on their leaves or traps when exposed to direct light, but this should never happen during the hottest hours.

After learning about the names of carnivorous plants and various types along with summarized care details found in the previous video, we present a gallery of photos of carnivorous plants.