Carnivorous Plants for Sale in South Africa
Discover an exceptional variety of carnivorous plants at Aquatic Plants SA, a South African horticultural business with its own plant tissue culture laboratory and commercial nursery in Gezina, Pretoria, Gauteng.
From iconic Venus flytraps and colourful sundews to exotic tropical pitcher plants, Sarracenia and fascinating butterworts, we offer carnivorous plants for beginners, collectors and experienced growers.
We cultivate and propagate plants in-house, alongside carefully selected plants sourced through our supply network. Our online store serves carnivorous plant enthusiasts throughout South Africa, with nationwide courier delivery and collection by arrangement.
Explore our carnivorous plants, discover new varieties and find your next botanical obsession.
Your South African Carnivorous Plant Nursery
Aquatic Plants SA is a South African horticultural business established in 2019, specialising in aquarium plants, terrarium plants, carnivorous plants, pond plants and other specialist horticultural products. Like our famous “Botaniqra carnifeul”
Our operation in Gezina, Pretoria, includes an in-house plant tissue culture laboratory and commercial growing facilities. We use plant micropropagation alongside other cultivation and propagation methods to produce plants and expand the varieties we grow.
Our carnivorous plant collection includes a changing selection of species, cultivars, hybrids, established plants, propagation material and, where available, plants supplied directly from tissue culture.
We aim to make an interesting range of carnivorous plants accessible to South African growers, whether you are buying your first Venus flytrap or searching for unusual varieties to add to an established collection.
Shop Carnivorous Plants by Type
North American Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia)
In our experience, Sarracenia species are the easiest to grow of all the carnivorous plant types discussed here, and we highly recommend them as your first carnivorous plant.
Sarracenia produce upright, tubular pitchers that attract insects using colour, nectar and other visual and chemical cues.
These striking plants are valued for their tall pitchers, intricate markings and seasonal colour changes. Many species and hybrids grow best outdoors in strong sunlight and require a winter dormancy.
Sarracenia are excellent choices for suitable outdoor growing areas, provided their requirements for sun light, water and seasonal rest are met.
Bladderworts (Utricularia)
Utricularia, commonly known as bladderworts, are a fascinating and highly diverse genus of carnivorous plants. They capture tiny prey using specialised bladder-like traps, making them among the most unusual carnivorous plants available to growers.
Unlike Venus flytraps and pitcher plants, many Utricularia species have no obvious above-ground trapping structures. Their tiny traps are often hidden in the growing medium, underwater or among submerged plant structures.
One of the most appealing features of the genus is its diversity. Some species are surprisingly hardy, adaptable and easy to grow under suitable conditions, making them excellent options for growers who want to explore carnivorous plants beyond the familiar flytrap and pitcher plant. Other species have more specialised requirements, so choosing the right species for your growing environment is important.
Depending on the species, bladderworts can grow terrestrially in moist substrates, among mosses, on wet surfaces, or in aquatic environments. Many produce delicate, attractive flowers that are far more conspicuous than their tiny traps.
Utricularia offer something genuinely different for both beginners and experienced collectors, from adaptable ground-covering species to specialist plants with fascinating growth habits.
Explore our available Utricularia bladderworts and discover just how diverse carnivorous plants can be.
Venus Flytraps
(Dionaea muscipula)
Venus flytraps are among the most recognisable carnivorous plants. Their hinged traps close when suitable prey stimulates sensitive trigger hairs inside the trap.
Beyond the familiar green form, cultivated varieties offer differences in trap shape, colour, tooth structure and growth habit. Collectors may encounter varieties with red traps, unusual teeth and distinctive forms.
Venus flytraps require strong light, (ideally sunlight for 6 hours or longer) low-mineral water and an appropriate growing medium. Most cultivated forms also need a seasonal winter dormancy.
Sundews (Drosera)
Sundews capture small insects using sticky, glandular tentacles that resemble glistening droplets of dew. The genus Drosera includes an extraordinary diversity of plant shapes, colours and growth habits.
Our range may include South African sundews, tropical species, rosette-forming varieties, climbing or forked-leaf forms, and pygmy sundews, depending on availability.
Different sundew species originate from all over the world except Antarctica and therefore have different temperature, lighting and seasonal requirements. Identifying the species is important when choosing the right growing conditions.
Most of the species we sell love sun but please check their specific needs as described on the website before you buy.
Tropical Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes)
Nepenthes, are a slow growing plant that is commonly known as tropical pitcher plants or monkey cups, produce specialised pitchers that attract and capture prey.
These plants are particularly popular with collectors because of their diverse pitcher shapes, colours, patterns and hybrid combinations.
Many commonly cultivated Nepenthes hybrids grow well in warm conditions with bright, filtered light, suitable humidity and an airy, well-drained growing medium. Intermediate species and there hybrids are normally the easiest to keep, while Highland species require cooler nights than lowland types that require warm nights, while most hybrids can tolerate much wider conditions than the original species, we still recommend you do your homework in advance.
Always check the requirements of the particular species or hybrid before selecting a growing location.
Butterworts (Pinguicula)
Butterworts, or Pinguicula, capture small insects on sticky leaves. Many species form attractive rosettes and produce delicate flowers.
Their growing requirements vary considerably. Some species grow in consistently moist conditions, while others develop seasonal succulent leaves and require a drier resting period.
Certain Mexican butterworts are popular for their compact size, attractive leaf colours and suitability for carefully managed indoor growing environments.
If you want to build a carnivorous terrarium you will find pings to be an excellent addition.
Other Carnivorous Plants
The world of carnivorous plants extends far beyond the familiar flytrap and pitcher plant.
Some species are suited to outdoor cultivation, while others are better adapted to warm indoor environments, specialised terrariums or carefully controlled growing conditions.
Explore the available range to discover plants that match your interests and growing setup
Cultivated in Pretoria,
Delivered Across South Africa
Aquatic Plants SA combines horticultural cultivation with an in-house tissue culture laboratory and a commercial nursery.
Our cultivation and propagation work helps us produce plants, maintain selected stock and expand our range. Tissue culture is particularly useful for propagating suitable plants under controlled laboratory conditions.
However, not every plant is tissue-cultured, and not every variety is available throughout the year. Stock changes as plants grow, mature, enter dormancy and become ready for sale.
Our online store displays the plants and products available for purchase. Some plants may be temporarily unavailable while they develop or recover from seasonal dormancy.
How will you receive your plants:
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We supply customers throughout South Africa through nationwide courier delivery.
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Local collection in Gezina, Pretoria, can be arranged once an order is ready.
Please contact us before visiting, as we operate primarily as an online business and visits are by appointment.
Growing Carnivorous Plants in South Africa
Carnivorous plants are fascinating, but they are not all grown in the same way. Choosing plants suited to your climate and available growing space is one of the best ways to achieve long-term success.
Water Quality
All carnivorous plants are sensitive to dissolved minerals in water. Rainwater, reverse-osmosis water or distilled water is generally suitable for species with low-mineral water requirements.
Ordinary tap water can contain mineral levels that gradually damage sensitive plants. Water suitability depends on its actual composition and the requirements of the species.
NEVER use borehole water.
Light
Light requirements vary between genera. Venus flytraps and many Sarracenia require strong direct sunlight, while many Nepenthes prefer bright, filtered light rather than harsh midday exposure.
Insufficient light can cause weak growth, poor colouration and reduced trap development. Plants should be acclimatised gradually when moving them into stronger light.
Growing Medium
Carnivorous plants generally require specialised, low-nutrient growing media. Depending on the species, suitable ingredients may include horticultural peat, perlite and long-fibre sphagnum.
Buy your soil ONLY from reputable sellers as using the wrong soil is the easiest way to kill your carnivorous plant. Ordinary potting soil, compost and fertiliser-rich mixes are totally unsuitable for carnivorous plants.
Growing medium should be selected according to the plant's natural requirements.
Dormancy and Seasonal Care
Some carnivorous plants need a cool winter dormancy, while others remain active throughout the year under suitable conditions.
Venus flytraps and Sarracenia require seasonal rest. Many tropical Nepenthes hybrids do not require the same winter dormancy, although their growth may slow under less favourable conditions. Most Drosera species can grow year round but look their best in colder months of the year.
Understanding these differences is particularly important in South Africa, where growing conditions vary between Gauteng, the Western Cape, coastal regions and colder inland areas.
The best approach is to identify the plant first and then provide the conditions it actually needs.
Carnivorous Plants for Beginners and Collectors
If you are new to carnivorous plants, begin with species whose requirements match your growing environment.
A suitable beginner plant is not necessarily the rarest or most colourful one. It is the plant you can provide with the correct light, water, temperature and seasonal care.
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Experienced growers can explore unusual cultivars, hybrids, specialist genera and propagation material as their collections develop.
Before purchasing, consider whether you intend to grow your plants outdoors, on a sunny windowsill, under artificial lighting or inside a terrarium. The answer will help determine which plants are most suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Carnivorous Plants
Where can I buy carnivorous plants in South Africa?
Aquatic Plants SA sells carnivorous plants through its online store, with nationwide courier delivery in South Africa and collection by arrangement in Gezina, Pretoria. Browse the current online range to see available plants, prices and stock status. Note that we have perfected our packing methods to ensure your plant can survive more than 7 days with the courier.
Does Aquatic Plants SA grow its own carnivorous plants?
Yes.
Aquatic Plants SA cultivates and propagates plants in-house, supported by its own tissue culture laboratory and commercial nursery. We also source selected plants through our supply network, so individual plants may have different production origins.
Do you sell Venus flytraps?
Yes.
Venus flytraps and selected cultivated varieties form part of our carnivorous plant offering. Available cultivars and stock levels change, so check the online store for current availability.
Can carnivorous plants grow in South Africa?
Yes, many carnivorous plant species can be grown successfully in South Africa. However, their requirements differ. Some tolerate outdoor conditions in suitable regions, while others need protection from extreme heat, cold or unsuitable humidity. Select species according to your local climate and growing setup.
Can I grow carnivorous plants indoors?
Some species can be grown indoors with sufficient light and suitable temperature and humidity. Venus flytraps and Sarracenia struggle without adequate direct sunlight and seasonal conditions, while Nepenthes and tropical sundews may adapt better to suitable indoor setups.
Can I grow carnivorous plants in a closed terrarium?
Some tropical species can grow in suitable terrariums, but a closed terrarium is not appropriate for every carnivorous plant. Venus flytraps and many Sarracenia generally need stronger light, good airflow and seasonal conditions that a permanently closed terrarium may not provide. Some Drosera species actually thrive in a closed terrarium.
Do carnivorous plants need fertiliser?
Carnivorous plants should not be treated like ordinary houseplants. They are adapted to nutrient-poor growing environments, and excessive fertiliser can damage their roots. Correct light, water quality and growing medium are usually more important than routine feeding.
That said, we use ‘Botaniqra – Carnifeul’ with GREAT SUCCESS
Do you deliver carnivorous plants nationwide?
Yes.
We supply customers throughout South Africa by courier. Collection in Gezina, Pretoria, can be arranged when orders are ready. Please check the current shipping information before ordering.
Are all varieties always available?
No.
Plant availability changes with propagation cycles, growth rates, seasonal dormancy and demand. Our online store shows the stock currently offered for sale, and some varieties may return when plants are ready.
Discover Your Next Carnivorous Plant
Whether you are starting with your first Venus flytrap, expanding a sundew collection or searching for unusual Nepenthes hybrids, Aquatic Plants SA invites you to explore the fascinating diversity of carnivorous plants.
Browse our current selection, compare varieties and choose plants suited to your growing conditions.
Shop online with Aquatic Plants SA and bring something extraordinary into your collection.
Aquatic Plants SA
Gezina, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Online orders with nationwide courier delivery
Website: aquaticplants.co.za
WhatsApp: 061 227 3588
Visits and local collection are by arrangement. Please contact us before visiting.
All pictures are just for demonstrative purposes.
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Nationwide shipping & Local pick up when ready