This is the official site of the Texas Triffid Ranch, a very small carnivorous plant gallery headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area. As for everything else, well, that’s why this is here, isn’t it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you shutting down?
As of January 2023, the Texas Triffid Ranch is closing, with the whole space needing to be cleaned out and vacated by February 28. A series of clearance sales will be open to the public starting February 11, and any available enclosures may be purchased by appointment at any time before the end of the month. After February 28, though, it’s all going to be gone.
As to “why,” it’s for a series of reasons, mostly involving the new property management drastically increasing the space’s rent. If the Triffid Ranch had to shut down, now is the best time to do it.
Will the Triffid Ranch return in the future?
The Triffid Ranch may return at some time in the future, but the likelihood is poor. If it does, everything depends upon economic issues, particularly involving commercial real estate in the greater Dallas area.
What’s a triffid?
Enough people have asked this that merely referring them to the basic explanation isn’t enough. For people on the western shore of the Atlantic, the term is a reference from John Wyndham’s classic novel The Day of the Triffids. For those on the eastern shore, it’s a very popular joke on a par with waving plumber’s helpers in the air and screaming “EX-TER-MI-NATE!”
And before anyone asks, no, the Triffid Ranch doesn’t actually sell triffids. We also don’t offer Audrey IIs, vargas, Krynoids, Vervoids, Delvians, Vegetons, Whomping Willows, or Slaver sunflowers. More’s the pity. I plan to have Pink Bunkadoo seeds available next year, though. Check back on February 30.
Can I come out to see your plants?
For various reasons, mostly involving a day job and possible legal liability, the main Triffid Ranch growing area is closed to the public. However, plants are available for viewing at local shows, lectures, and events, many times for free. In addition, the gallery space is open by appointment. (For best results, appointments must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance.)
Do you ship?
Unfortunately, between shipping costs, customs issues, and the tender mercies of the US Post Office, the Triffid Ranch doesn’t offer shipping, as the cost of shipping would greatly exceed the cost of the plant enclosure. That said, delivery within the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area is a cheerful option, and commissions can be delivered and constructed on the site for those outside of Texas. Just ask.
I want to buy a carnivorous plant to control mosquitoes/flies/fleas/roaches/bedbugs in my house. What do you recommend?
Unfortunately, while carnivorous plants have the ability to attract, capture, and digest insect and other animal prey, they aren’t an option for control. If they worked that well, Florida would be a drastically different place. Because of light and humidity requirements, most can’t be treated like standard houseplants, and while they might catch a few insects, they usually won’t catch enough to break the insects’ life cycle.
Do you do shows outside of the gallery?
Currently, the only restrictions on attending local shows are whether they interfere with gallery activities or the Day Job. Events outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area are generally limited to the amount of Day Job vacation time available in a year. Either way, there’s no reason not to discuss possibilities.
Do you do lectures?
All of the time: due to current COVID-19 issues, they’ve been cut way back, but video conferences with groups or classrooms are always welcome, and in-person lectures are also an option. Please try to ask at least two months before the event, if only to make sure that the schedule is clear, as well as to plan logistics for dragging plants and enclosures to the event. As always, virtual lectures in the gallery are a sound option, and they also offer the opportunity for special events outside of a normal Dallas day schedule.