I understand their normal conditions are in poor soil, which is why the flytrap, but why would good soil outright kill them instead of them ignoring it or maybe just doing slightly better?
In: 22
Flytraps are particularly adapted to *waterlogged* soils in North Carolina bogs. Their roots can handle extremely wet feet — which will quickly lead to rot in many other plants. However, their roots can die from fertilizer burn at much lower concentrations than plants adapted to more conventionally nutrient-rich soils; those plants will croak all the same if there’s too much fertilizer applied to their rhizosphere, as the buildup of mineral salts alters soil pH and can result in unsustainable growth. In general too high of nutrient concentration affects the roots’ abilities to take up water — salt attracts moisture and can keep the roots from uptaking it.
Some carnivorous plants can adapt to levels of sosoils in North Carolina bogs. Their roots can handle extremely wet feet — which will quickly lead to rot in many other plants. However, their roots can die from fertilizer burn at much lower concentrations than plants adapted to more conventionally nutrient rich soils; those plants will croak all the same if there’s too much fertilizer applied to their rhizosphere, as the buildup of mineral salts alters soil pH and can result in unsustainable growth.
Latest Answers