EXOTIC carnivorous plants were featured at a plant expo in Parkmall, Mandaue City, Cebu.
Exotic and Carnivorous Plants displayed a number of carnivorous plant species in its booth during Parkmall’s Plant Expo. These include Venus flytraps, pitcher plants and sundew plants.
John Paul Velupe, the person in-charge of the booth, said the event was an opportunity for them to advertise and sell their plants since it is not often that people see these.
“It’s a way for us to advertise these plants to people since they don’t often see these every day,” Velupe said. “These are unique and are hard to find.”
He said carnivorous plants not only make excellent decor or “pets,” but also as alternatives to pesticides.
“These plants feed on insects, such as flies, ants and mosquitoes. They release certain chemicals to attract prey. So they are good alternatives to pesticides,” he said, adding that it is one way of helping the environment. Carnivorous plants can be placed indoors or outdoors and require a humid environment to survive.
Velupe advised not to place these under direct sunlight adding that the heat could kill them.
“Don’t place them under direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. to 12 noon since that is usually the hottest time during the day. Since they grow in forests, they need enough moisture and shade and a humid environment to survive,” he said.
Venus flytraps cost P1,000 while the pitcher plants can range between P500 to P1,000, depending on the variety.
Aside from carnivorous plants, different cacti species were also being featured namely the Peruvian apple cactus and the Australian golden Isis (Hylocereus undatus). The fruits of the Peruvian apple cactus in particular, Velupe said, are rich in vitamins and mineral and contain health benefits such as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. He also pointed out that the Australian golden isis is a yellow variety of dragonfruit with a sweet and unique citrus flavor.
Velupe added that it would be nice for people to see something different since these exotic plants are not always seen every day in malls or shops. The exhibit ran until Nov. 9.
For inquiries, you can visit Exotic and Carnivorous Plants in their Facebook page (@CarnivorousPlantsPH).