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By Sundew grower
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Posts:  160
Joined:  Sun Apr 18, 2021 7:26 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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By ChefDean
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Posts:  9231
Joined:  Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:44 am
#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.
Sundew grower, MikeB liked this
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By Nikson
Posts:  422
Joined:  Tue Jun 22, 2021 12:47 am
#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.
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By steve booth
Posts:  1221
Joined:  Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:15 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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