Do carnivorous plants capture your imagination? Would you like to learn how to grow these unusual plants? They’re not for everyone, but if you’d like to become a carnivorous plant expert, whether as a passion project or in a professional capacity – this online course is ideal for you!
Introduction to Carnivorous Plants is an online professional development course that will show you how to cultivate, grow and display carnivorous plants.
In this online course, you will discover how to grow carnivorous plants, learn about plant families using botanical keys, understand light, humidity, water, soil and nutritional needs of these unique plants.
You will also learn about the propagation of carnivorous plants, Australian pitcher plants, sundews from around the world, and how to grow carnivorous plants in terrariums, pots, greenhouses, shade houses and more.
On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation knowledge of carnivorous plants to grow your future horticultural career or personal passion.
Course Structure
Unit - Carnivorous Plants
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Introduction to carnivorous plants
- Differences around the world
- Plant names
- Monocotyledons and dicotyledons
- Plant families
- Using a botanical key
- Glossary
- Classification of carnivorous plants
- Animal Catching mechanisms
- Resources and reference books
- Organizations
- Magazines and journals
- Nurseries and gardens
- Seed suppliers
Unit 2 – Culture
- Light requirements
- Humidity
- Water needs
- Plant health
- Problems and non-parasitic problems
- Avoiding frost, wet and wind
- Soils
- Naming and improving the soil
- Soil mixes
- Potting mixes
- Plant nutrition
- The nutrient elements (major and minor elements)
- Deficiencies and toxicities
- Indicators of deficiency & toxicity
- Feeding carnivorous plants animal tissues
- Case study: sarracenia
- Tips for growing sarracenia
- Basic planting procedure
- Fertiliser
- Time of planting
- Mulching
- Where to grow your carnivorous plants
- How to maintain plants in pots
- Feeding and watering
- Ventilation and light
- Temperature
- Types of pots
- Common problems with containers
- Where to place containers
- Composting
- C/N ratios of some compostable materials
- What can be put into compost?
- Composting methods
- The finished product
- Watering plants
- Symptoms of water deficiency and water excess
- Maintaining appropriate water levels
Unit 3 – Propagation and Growing in Containers
- Propagating carnivorous plants
- Collecting from the wild
- Case study – propagating sarracenia
- Methods of propagating plant
- Sexual propagation
- Asexual (vegetative) propagation
- Leaf and root cuttings
- Disinfecting propagation material
- Sources of hypochlorite
- The best propagating environment
- General requirements
- Equipment & materials for propagation
- Propagating aids
- Plant containers
- Types of pots
- Plant labels
- Seed propagation
- Collecting, storing and sowing seeds
- Tissue culture and uses
- Tissue culture problems and procedures
- In vitro cultures used for propagation
- Multiplication by adventitious roots
- Rooting and planting out
Unit 4 – Pitcher Plants and Sundews
- Australian pitcher plants
- Cephalotus -West Australian or Albany pitcher plant
- Nepenthes -tropical pitcher plant
- Drosera
- Selected sundews from around the world
- Parts of a carnivorous plant
- Heliamorphora (sun pitcher)
- Sarracenias (trumpet pitchers)
Unit 5 – Other Important Groups of Carnivorous Plants
- Dionaea
- Pinguicula
- Bladderworts
- Key to some Australian Bladderworts
Unit 6 – Lesser Known Varieties of Carnivorous Plants
- Darlingtonia
- Aldrovanda
- Growing tips for Aldrovanda
Unit 7 – Droseras
- Tips for growing Droseras
- Easier to cultivate species
- More difficult species
- Fork leaved sundews
- Glossary
- How to use a botanical key
- Australian sundews
- Key to Eastern Australian sundews
- Northern Australian sundews
Unit 8 – Growing & Using Carnivorous Plants
- Terrariums
- Pots & tubs
- Bog gardens
- Greenhouse
- Types of greenhouses
- Shade houses
Unit 9 – Special Assignment
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Carnivorous plant farmer
- Nursery retailer
- Hobby gardener
- Horticulturalist
- Small business operator
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