Question
Are there any tropicals that do well in shallow, broad dishes?  I'd like to be able to start growing plants in my house, but I don't really want to have very large pots, at least, not for the time being.

Answer
Hi Jason,

Most carnivorous plants have fairly long root systems, but there are a few that can be grown in shallow, broad dishes, such as used for bonsai.  

The first are pygmy sundews.  These little guys are only 3/4 inch in diameter and have very thin roots.  There are many species of pygmy sundews, so you will have a lot to choose from.

You should also consider Drosera adelae and Drosera prolifera.  Although they develop long roots, they tend to multiply by sending out runners.

Another group of plants to consider are Mexican butterworts (Pinguicula sp.).  These plants have very short roots, yet some can produce very large broad leaves.  These plants would do very well in a shallow dish.

For information about the care of these plants, download the care sheets at:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets.html

Good growing!
Jacob Farin