a little carnivorous break

Running low on moss and pottery for my shop, I recently headed to my favorite supply destination. A quaint cluster of greenhouses nestled up a hill off a busy New Jersey route. I also needed a little time to myself to wander and stare at the isles of tropical foliages, variegated striped leaves and interesting textures. A little rejuvenation from the mundane pool, park and grocery store routine that ensues my days each week. Because I was free of toddlers and sticky fingers, I could finally wander the isles of pottery, house plants and scrounge around the basket barn.
These plants caught my eye and left me staring.

nepenthes or pitcher plant. A carnivorous plant, straight out of the jungles of planet earth. Their pitcher shaped cups hold digestive juices that feed on unsuspecting insects that fall victim to their design. The are found in the tropics of many regions like Thailand, Madagascar, Sumatra, Philippines and now... your local green house.

These tiny zesty plants called nertera. So cute no?

I found it interesting that the nertera plant must sit in a few inches of water continually in order to live. Over watering and sitting in constant water is the biggest mistake that black thumbs make when it comes to house plants. Stagnant water rots plant roots and ultimately drowns the plant. But these nerteras thrive on the sitting water, making them therefore hard to over water. The impossibility to over water ultimately makes a great and simple houseplant to keep alive, as long as it has a little sun to keep it's bright orange beaded fruit cheerful . How modern their tiny clusters of berries are.

and ah yes, the beautiful crowd pleaser! lovely flowering succulents, echeveria-hens and chicks