Question
How do VFT's "know" when to reopen after catching and digesting an insect? The
traps stay closed longer for larger insects - how does the plant "know"?

Answer
Hi Andrew,

Everything that happens in plants is biochemical.  Even though I've never read any specific research on this, it would stand to reason that when amino acid absorption by the plant slows to a certain point the plant is probably triggered to stop secreting enzymes and reopen the leaf.

If you think about it, you're not mentally controlling your own digestion.  Enzyme reactions are occurring in your digestive tract that "know" when to move the food from your stomach to your small intestine, etc...  These kinds of processes are just as active in plants, just in a different fashion.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com