• Question: Do plants like the venus fly trap photosynthesise, because carnivorous plants do not need to make their own food?

    Asked by to James, Jennifer, Kim, Liam, Ricardo on 18 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Kimberley Lowe

      Kimberley Lowe answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      Hi 12sarsat,

      yes they still photosynthesise! I have had a venus fly trap, and they will grow etc as normal plants do. They do get extra nutrients etc from flies and insects, but they use energy closing the traps.

    • Photo: Jennifer Stephens

      Jennifer Stephens answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      Hi 12sarsat
      Carnivorous plants are often found in nutrient-poor environments where there is little sunlight or not enough nutrients in the soil. Conditions in which most other plants would not be able to survive. Although carnivorous plants can still photosynthesis a little, it is not enough to provide them with all the energy they need to grow. That’s why they have evolved to eat insects to provide them with the extra nutrients they need.

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