Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plant collections at Kew

Behind the scenes, Kew maintains an important collection of carnivorous plants which is used for conservation, scientific research, and education. This extensive collection has been built up over recent years and now contains several thousand plants, with representatives of over 225 different types from around the world.

The plants are skilfully nurtured in high-tech facilities within our largest nursery complex, where different climatic conditions are carefully controlled. Water quality is of critical importance to carnivorous plants. Specially treated water, softened using reverse osmosis and sterilised with ultra-violet light, is used for both watering and misting. The nursery also has facilities for propagation, including micropropagation laboratories.

Please note that the research collection is not open to the public, but may be accessed for scientific research by visiting and Kew specialists. It also opens once a year for a tour by the Carnivorous Plant Society.

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