At a very young age, Kevin Zhang learned that gardening was not for the faint of heart. Some of his earliest memories involve watching his grandmother deftly remove plump green caterpillars from the tomato plants with chopsticks, dropping them into soapy water. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that a trip to a nearby nursery in Chicago, where he stumbled upon a Venus flytrap, ignited his fascination with carnivorous plants—those rare species that capture and consume insects for extra nourishment. “I remember being instantly captivated by the unusual appearance and the way they were able to move,” he recalled. “I was hooked.”

By the time he reached high school, after much trial and error, Zhang had mastered the art of growing carnivorous plants. This passion blossomed further during his college years at Princeton, where he amassed a collection of plants residing in a 10-gallon fish tank and joined the botany club. It was here that he crossed paths with his future wife over a discussion of tropical pitcher plants. Their journey continued as the couple relocated to Philadelphia for medical school, carting along an aquarium brimming with predatory plants. Yet something was missing for Zhang.

“After college, I missed the camaraderie and being part of a plant group,” explained the now 30-year-old medical resident. In search of community, he scoured online platforms for fellow carnivorous plant enthusiasts but found none. With the support of Michael Szesze, the owner of the Carnivorous Plant Nursery in Smithsburg, Maryland, Zhang initiated his own group.

Fast forward seven years, and the Mid-Atlantic Carnivorous Plant Society (MACPS) has grown to approximately 80 dues-paying members and boasts over 1,200 followers on Facebook. The organisation has become a hub for lectures, plant auctions, and field trips, welcoming both seasoned botanists and curious newcomers eager to connect over their shared fascination with these carnivorous wonders. This month, MACPS has launched yet another exciting initiative: its inaugural plant show.

All-consuming obsession

At MACPS gatherings, all are welcome, but as Zhang notes, the world of carnivorous plants tends to attract a specific type of audience—scientists, teachers, and budding botanists. “Lots of kids show up to our meetings who already have an extensive knowledge of carnivorous plants,” he said. “For children, seeing plants that can move and capture prey is incredibly engaging.” Adult participants, such as 32-year-old MACPS Vice President Rick Roberts, shared this enthusiasm. His first encounter with a pitcher plant at a California orchid house at the age of 19 left him mesmerised. “One turned into two. Two turned into five. It exploded from there,” Roberts recalled.

Roberts, along with his wife Hannah, who initially viewed these plants with scepticism, now manages their own carnivorous plant business from their home in Woodbridge, Virginia, with two greenhouses and a grow tent dedicated to nurturing their collection. “The addiction is real; it’s hard not to want to gather more,” he admitted.

For enthusiasts like Roberts, one of the best things about MACPS is the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences with like-minded individuals. “You can’t replicate the feeling of talking to someone who shares this hobby,” he said. The allure of carnivorous plants has captivated many, including scientists and writers throughout history. Charles Darwin, for instance, famously stated, “I care more about Drosera than the origin of all the species in the world,” showcasing the deep fascination surrounding these unique organisms.

A growing community

While keeping houseplants remains a popular trend, the idea of nurturing carnivorous species can seem daunting for newcomers. “There’s a perception that they’re extremely hard to take care of,” explained Samara Gray, MACPS secretary and greenhouse coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania. “They do best outdoors, but with the right conditions, they can thrive indoors.” Full sun exposure is crucial, and using distilled or rainwater can prevent these plants from withering away due to mineral-rich tap water.

Another common misconception is that carnivorous plants rely solely on insects for sustenance. “People often think these plants must eat to survive,” Rick Roberts clarified. “However, they photosynthesize like any other plants, and the insects simply act as fertilisers.”

Yet, the conservation of these species remains critical as many are endangered due to poaching. “While you may see Venus flytraps at stores like Trader Joe’s, in nature they are critically endangered,” warned Gray. To combat this issue, MACPS promotes ethical practices. Members often swap cuttings or participate in affordable auctions during meetings, which Zhang described as a means to foster mutual support for plant lovers.

Inspiring a new generation of collectors, MACPS’s first plant show, hosted on October 11 at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, attracted over 700 attendees. Veteran growers showcased their prized specimens, with Owen Shieh’s Byblis gigantea winning the award for best in show. For the people’s choice honour, Keegan Orr claimed victory with his Nepenthes truncata x edwardsiana.

For Hannah Roberts, the plant show not only allowed enthusiasts to appreciate the diversity of carnivorous plants but also highlighted the community’s passion and commitment. “I love seeing people growing their plants and sharing them,” she smiled, embodying the sentiment of collective enthusiasm that has come to define the MACPS experience.

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