Green plants are autotrophs. Venus Flytraps are green plants and are autotrophs as well. Most plants grow in environments where they can get all their nutrients from the soil, water and air where they live, and with the help of the photosynthesis, they use the energy of the sun to drive a reaction that converts CO2 and H2O into sugar and oxygen. The sugar is then converted into energy in the form of ATP. Flytraps actually get a good deal of their sustenance like other plants do through this same process (photosynthesis). However, in addition to synthesizing glucose, plants need to make amino acids and other cellular components to survive. To accomplish this, plants need additional nutrients like: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other minor elements. Venus Flytraps are native to the wetlands of North / South Carolina, where the levels of Nitrogen and other nutrients are VERY LOW and the soil is acidic. Most plants CANNOT survive in this environment, because they cannot produce the amino acids and other cellular components necessary for growth. So Venus Flytrap evolved over millions of years and were able to survive by getting the nitrogen they needed from insects! So what they are doing is just taking the nutrients from the insects, because the soil cannot provide them. |
Plants are shipped Mondays and arrive by Thursday. Plants are GUARANTEED to arrive alive. Plants for Kids . Vista . California . 92084 ph:760.630.4170 fax:760.630.4173 Mon-Fri 8am-3pm PST info@plantsforkids.com |