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Genlisea
The corkscrew plant is native to boggy areas of Africa and South America, where they grow as amphibious plants. They are a very recent discover, only entering cultivation in the mid 1980's.
The trap of the Genliseahas been likened to that of an eel trap. Having never seen an eeltrap myself, I have to take others word for it. Essentially, it looks like a winding tunnel, into which the prey enters. Once in the trap, the prey is forced forward, for hairs prevent it from moving back out. It eventually winds its way up to the digestive gland where it is consumed.
Species
There are over two dozen species of Genliseabut only a few in cultivation. These include Genlisea hispidula, G. violacea, G. repens,and G. pygmaea.
Soil and Containers
Genliseaprefer a soil of either 1:1 peat moss and sand, or sphagnum moss. Containers should be water tight, keeping the water level up to the surface at all times.
Climate
Genliseaare tropical in nature and prefer temperatures above 20 degrees celsius at all times. In addition, they prefer high humidity. I have never exposed mine to full sun, and suspect that they would do better in half sun conditions.
Propagation
Propagation of the corkscrew plants can be through seed, leaf cuttings, and trap cuttings.
Most of the Genliseaare generous flowerers from spring until fall, and if pollination occurs, abundant seed is produced. This seed can be sown on the preferred soil and should germinate within weeks. Growth is relatively quick, and flowering plants can be grown within a few months.
Leaf and trap cuttings can be taken at any time of the year. Traps should be placed under the soil, while leaves should only have the white tips placed under the soil. An adult plant can be obtained within a couple of months using these methods.
While Genliseais relatively simple to propagate, it is still considered a specialty item, and you may have some difficulties locating sources.
Seasonal Care
Dead growth and expired flowers should be removed to prevent fungus. I have found that even though these plants are tropical in nature, they seem to enter a dormant state during winter, where leaves yellow and the rosette shrinks considerably. To prevent complete loss of the plant, I remove all flower stems. The plants have never failed to return, although in nature some species may be annuals.
Pests and Diseases
I have not experienced any, although fungus is the most likely. Given the structure of the leaves and flower stalks (similar to Utricularia species), I would not be surprised if this plant attracted aphids, especially to the flowers. The best method to treat these pests is to remove the aphids or the flower stalks. I am unsure if commercial pesticides have any negative effects on this plant.