living insect wall: mosquito problem

topic posted Sun, January 6, 2008 - 7:49 AM by  Fonzy
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Patrick Black does some cool stuff with living walls and

I would love to see a living Living wall the takes care of all the mosquitos in my house.
Is that possible?

www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com/
posted by:
Fonzy
Brazil
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  • Re: living insect wall: mosquito problem

    Mon, January 7, 2008 - 5:46 AM
    Short answer: I don't think so.

    Long answer: with a handful of exceptions, carnivorous plants grow in permanently wet locations, such as bogs. The traditional way of growing most of them is to stick them in a drained pot and then stick the pot in a bowl of water. Doing that with an entire wall ("I have to keep the wall wet! It changes color when it dries!" -Johnny the Homicidal Maniac) seems problematic.

    The most notable carnivorous plants not typically grown using the water tray method are Nepenthes, the tropical pitcher plants. These plants are frequently found growing on the sides of trees, cliff faces, etc, and they send out climbing vines, so an entire wall of them seems feasible.

    Some species of mosquito larva can and do survive in the fluid within Nepenthes pitchers. You'd need to figure out exactly which species of mosquitoes you've got, and what their infauna relationship with Nepenthes species is, otherwise you might actually contribute to your problem with a wall of Nepenthes.

    Finally, will the plants eat the bugs? Well, they aren't preferred prey. They'll probably snack on a few. I once visited a bog full of sundews which was virtually mosquito-free, and when I catch them around my apartment I generally feed them to my flytraps. (It's my way of giving my plants a taste for human blood.) Putting a lamp over sundews or butterworts overnight is a good way to catch fleas; the same trick might work on mosquitoes.
    But I don't think you'll be able to install a some plants and decimate the insect population.
    • Re: living insect wall: mosquito problem

      Mon, January 7, 2008 - 9:50 AM
      sure you can do it. you'll just need to work out the mechanics of how to cater to your desired species needs. if you keep water circulating, and keep the nutrient content low you should be ok. i'd try butter worts and sun dews if i were you. build a small mock up and let it run for a while before trying to make a whole wall. it'll help you save money and work out all the bugs.

      sorry for the gratuitous pun.
      • Re: living insect wall: mosquito problem

        Fri, January 25, 2008 - 8:16 AM
        Awesome, thanks for the response. I actually live right next to the Tijuca National Forest in Rio de Janeiro, the largest urban
        forest in the world, so plenty of crazy looking plants and bugs. Located there is a botanical garden and not to far from the botanical garden there is a commercial a nursery where they sell all kinds of plants. I not sure they sell carnivorous plants , but I know a couple biologist that may help me find what I need. I definitely plan to keep in mind your carnivorous plant recommendation and see what I can do with it. It sounds like fun thing to grow, i addition to all the other types of plants i like growing. It sound like they require a bit more knowledge to care for and grow than your your standard house plant. I primarily dealing with a mosquito that carries dengue virus, the africanus species (with black stripes on them). Ouch, they do hurt when they bite. There also these almost fruit fly-like mosquitos that are a total pain in the ass to catch and they love sweet oh sweet blood.
        • Re: living insect wall: mosquito problem

          Sun, August 17, 2008 - 7:52 PM
          I don't want to rain on your parade. Though I love living walls, and always thought they would be a wonderful habitat for properly placed carnivores, most experts immediately inform you quickly on that these CP's (carnivorous plants) aren't household pest deterrents.

          I live in Ashland , Oregon and though I grow lots of CP's i still have an abundance of bugs and insects.
          See, neighbors have trash, yards, and environments of their own feet from your domicile. Get rid of yours (if your lucky) and you're dealing with theirs. Don't be discouraged from green walls, just don't be mislead. Plant insect based control would be a challenge for the wisest botanist.

          As a side thought for organic mosquito control I've thought of building bat houses. That's right, Dracula's little alter ego.
          Still researching how to best go about it, but could be promising. They eat beyond their own body weight in insects every night!

          Either way, let us know how it goes. RDJ could produce some of the most stunning CP's really.

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