How does it digest?

How does it digest?#386127

By Sundew grower -  Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:22 pm
Location:  Kansas
Posts:  160
Joined:  Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:26 pm

- Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:22 pm #386127

So I've read on multiple threads that you don't need to have water in Sarracenia other than purperea. My judith hindle has lots of bugs just sitting in the bottom but with no fluid. So my question is how do they digest them with no fluid in there, and should I add water?

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Re: How does it digest?#386130

By ChefDean -  Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:50 pm
Location:  Clarksville, TN
Posts:  9345
Joined:  Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:44 am

- Wed Aug 04, 2021 10:50 pm #386130

It's kinda like a sundew. Enzymes are secreted onto the bug, absorb into it, liquify the soft tissues, and the nutrients are reabsorbed into the plant. Occasionally, rainwater will get in and accelerate the process, but they don't need a pool of liquid in the pitcher.
In fact, Sarracenia tend to absorb any water in the pitcher to help prevent it from toppling over due to the weight.

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Re: How does it digest?#386157

By Nikson -  Thu Aug 05, 2021 10:13 pm
Posts:  424
Joined:  Tue Jun 22, 2021 12:47 am

- Thu Aug 05, 2021 10:13 pm #386157

Do purperea hybrids also secrete digestive enzymes? I own like 2 hybrids and I have no idea if adding another species into the mix causes the plant to digest by itself.

Re: How does it digest?#386176

By steve booth -  Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:11 am
Posts:  1236
Joined:  Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:15 am

- Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:11 am #386176

The easy and short answer is yes, but the upward facing hood allows rainwater in which dilutes the effect but that also allows more f the pitcher to come into contact with the 'soup' thereby increasing nutrient absorption area.
One hybridised it all depends on what it is crossed with as to the enzyme production.

Cheers
Steve

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