Carnivorous Creatures

Planting Instructions

You will have to stratify your pitcher plant seeds prior to planting.  Put the seeds in the small plastic bag with the tiny germination mixture disk and add 1 teaspoon of DISTILLED WATER.  Seal bag and massage contents together.  Place in refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.  After this, they are ready to  be planted.

-Carefully apply your decal to the outside of the colored planter base.
-Put the large compressed germination disks in the bottom of the base.
-Slowly pour 3 cups of DISTILLED WATER ONLY directly onto the disks in the bottom of the base.
-Use a plastic fork or spoon to aerate and mix the soil.
-Gently press the soil smooth.
-Place your Swamp Ore and Moss where you would like them.
-You can plant your seeds in groups or mix them up.  Either way, place them at least 1/3” apart.
-Empty the pack of  Flytrap seeds into your palm so you can control placement and cover with 1/8” of soil.
-Empty the pack of Sundew seeds into your palm and place on surface where you would like them.
-Spread the Pitcher Plant seed mixture where you would like after removing from the refrigerator.
-Place your Alligator and meat-eating plant stakes where you would like them.
-Put the clear top of the biosphere on, lining up the tabs.
-Put your Carnivorous Biosphere near a window in bright indirect light where it will not be easily knocked over.
-Seeds also like heat when germinating, so be sure that the planter is not too cool.  72-80 degrees is the ideal temperature for sprouting.
-You can tell how dry the soil is by the weight of the planter.  Add DISTILLED water as required to keep the soil moist on a weekly basis.
-Your Sundew will germinate in 1-4 weeks, your Flytraps will sprout in 1-3 months, and you Pitcher Plants will germinate in 1-2 months.
-Leave the top on until the plants have reached the top, or prune plant as needed and leave the top on.
-Plants are very small and slow growing. 

Care and Growing Instructions
-Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater.  Do not use bottled, tap, spring, well, or salt water.
-Carnivorous plants like to be kept moist and thrive in bright indirect light.
-Never fertilize or feed raw meat.
-You can feed them small bits of cooked meat.
-These are perennials and need a cold period.  When the leaves start dying down, remove the dead ones and place the entire terrarium in the refrigerator for six weeks.  Let it dry our more during this period. Bring out and saturate with distilled water and they will come back, bigger than the prior year!
-Promptly trim off and remove any dead foliage.
-Do not put your terrarium outside in full sun as the terrarium will dry out to quickly.
-If you see any mold forming, take the top for a day or two and manually remove the mold.
-You can also water with a 1:50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to eliminate the mold.  This is about one capful to 7 ounces of water.
-Removing the top will also prevent mold from forming, but only do this after germination.
-Be sure to check water on a weekly basis with the top on.
-If you wish to water less, use clear tape to cover the side vents of the top of the biosphere.
-If you decide to remove the dome top, you will need to check the moisture every few days as the planter will dry out much more quickly.
-If you do happen to overwater, simply tip the planter base slightly and allow the excess water to flow out.  You can also leave the top off until the soil has dried out to the desired level.

Carnivorous Creatures FAQ
How long will my Carnivorous plants take to sprout? 
Your Carnivorous seeds can take six weeks to three months to sprout. The Pitcher plant seeds need to be cooled for six to eight weeks before germinating them as indicated in the instructions. Please see instructions on how to do so. Once the Pitcher Plant seeds are planted after the cool period, they can take an additional eight weeks to sprout.

What is the process for sprouting carnivorous seed?
First, hydrate the soil with the amount of distilled water recommended in the instructions. You can do this right in the base of your biodome. Once hydrated, aerate your soil and then smooth out the top. Place or sprinkle your Flytrap seed where you would like and cover it with 1/8” of soil. Sprinkle the Sundew and Pitcher Plant seeds on top of the soil. (Make sure your Pitcher Plant seeds have had the cold period.) Once you have decorated your Biodome, close the biosphere by adding the clear top. Be sure the tabs are lined up. The seeds will germinate in about eight weeks. You can plant the Flytrap and Sundew first, while the Pitcher Plants are cooling if you would like.

Why do I have to use rainwater or distilled water to water my Carnivorous kit? 
Carnivorous Plants require distilled water to thrive due to their unique nutritional needs and sensitivity to minerals. The minerals found in ordinary tap water, bottled water, well water, purified and spring waters are harmful to your carnivorous plants. These minerals are typically not found in the peat bogs they naturally grow in and instead are obtained through insects they capture. Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater.  Do not use bottled, tap, spring, well, or salt water.

How often do I have to water my Carnivorous kit?
Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater.  Carnivorous Plants like to be kept moist, so be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water with distilled water whenever the top layer of soil begins to dry out. When the Pitcher Plants that are in the refrigerator are cooling, you will want to add a cup of distilled water every three to four weeks. When you remove them from the refrigerator, saturate the soil thoroughly, (it should be very wet to the touch) and snap the lid on.

When will my Carnivorous Plants eat bugs?
Your Carnivorous plants will not need to eat flies until they are two or three years old although most plants receive their nutrients from the soil. When they are mature, you can remove the lid and thoroughly saturate soil with distilled water, then place in a cool, shady area. The plants will attract little gnats and other small bugs with a sweet scent they emit to catch insects. 

Can I feed meat to my Carnivorous Plants?
Carnivorous Plants obtain essential nutrients by capturing and digesting insects. While they can thrive on insects, meat is not recommended. Carnivorous plants are made to digest insects specifically, therefore feeding your plant meat could inhibit digestion and harm the plant.

Why are individual Flytrap leaves turning black?
It usually means your trap has died when its leaves turn black. It is normal for old traps to die and new traps to grow. A trap can only close a certain number of times before it dies, so be careful not to purposefully trigger your Flytrap to close it’s trap. A Flytraps leave’s turning black
could also indicate overwatering, most times caused by poor drainage. If you encounter a black trap, remove it from the plant and ensure your Flytrap is getting adequate sunlight and proper watering.

Why is my Flytrap dying?
If you notice your whole plant dying, it likely needs a cold period. Trim your plant down and put it in
your refrigerator for 6-8 weeks, adding a very small amount of water to your Flytrap every 3 weeks. After the cold period in the refrigerator, water your Flytrap thoroughly with distilled water and place your Seed Square in a warm, well-lit area.

Please email us at service@toysbynature.com if you have any questions or experience any issues with this item.  Please email us directly and do not contact the reseller you purchased this from.