It is a notoriously tricky carnivorous plant to keep and grow.
Although named after Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, thismysterious plantisnt exactly kind or loving.
Inside each trap is nectar, which lures insects and other small creatures to their death.
When the trigger hairs are stimulated by prey, the trap closes, and enzymes digest them.
This fascinating plant might be challenging to care for, but the risk is worth the reward!
We interviewedVladan Nikolic, a Houseplant Expert, to better understand how to care for Venus flytraps.
Before we start, here are some Venus fly trap facts to help you know the plant better.
Image credits:Andi Superkern
Where Do the Carnivorous Venus Flytraps Originate From?
Lets get one thing straight: Venus flytraps arent from Venus!
They originated in the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina.
However, the destruction of the flytraps habitat has endangered its survival.
In 1768, John Ellis proposed the plants current and scientific name.
How to Care for a Venus Fly Trap?
Venus fly trap care involves some simple steps and things you should remember.
Heres everything you should know:
Soil
Venus fly trap soil should always be nutrient-poor.
you could also use long-fibered sphagnum moss.
Venus flytraps grow in acidic soil with poor nutrient content.
Dont use regular potting soil because it can slowly kill these plants due to synthetic fertilizer and mineral content.
Image credits:Andy-roo77
Avoid using vermiculite because it has minerals that can slowly poison the plants.
For the same reason, dont use unglazed clay pots.
Instead, use plastic pots.
you’re able to recycle old plastic bottles to create something like thisbeautiful ladybug flower pot.
Some growers use a TDS meter to test their tap water to peek if it can be used.
You shouldnt use tap water because it contains minerals that will slowly kill your plant.
Instead, ensure that the soil never fully dries out.
Light
Vladan states, Pick a spot with partial to full sun.
Venus flytraps grow in almost full sun in their natural habitat.
The more light it’s possible for you to provide, the better your plant will grow.
If possible, aim for 40,000+ lux (4,000+ FC).
You might notice your Venus fly trap turning black when they are first put in the sun.
This is because the plant is getting used to sun exposure.
It will soon grow new traps.
Temperature and Humidity
These are warm-temperate plants.
Venus flytraps thrive in temperatures ranging from 21C to 30C (70F to 86F), says Vladan.
They need a warm and humid environment with enough air circulation.
Flowers
Image credits:natiibio
The fly trap produces beautiful white flowers around the 2-year mark.
These flowers have green veins running from the petals base to the edge.
Pollinated flowers can produce seeds that you might harvest and plant.
This means that it is not necessary to fertilize Venus flytraps.
Therefore, it is generally not recommended to fertilize Venus flytraps, says Vladan.
The main thing you could avoid is adding lime to the soil.
you’re free to repot your Venus fly trap to replenish the plants nutrients.
Compacted soil reduces the amount of oxygen available to the roots.
Less oxygen increases the chances of root rot.
It will also help ensure that you have the correct potting medium.
Image credit:Gabriel
Start repotting by completely removing the old soil.
Inspect the plants rhizomes, if you notice any brown or mushy parts, cut them off.
The roots growing from the rhizomes should be blackDO NOT cut them off!
Once youve made sure the rhizomes are healthy, pot the plant into a fresh potting mix.
Avoid repotting when the Venus fly trap is actively flowering.
Here are some ways to grow and plant this endangered species.
you might harvest its seeds from August to September when the seedpods are ripe.
it’s possible for you to also get seeds from nurseries or marketplaces.
Venus flytraps love full sun, and its important to give them enough light.
Venus Fly Trap Terrarium Tips
Venus flytraps require a temperate climate to grow.
These California carnivores can also be grown excellently in agreenhouseor conservatory.
If youre still eager to use this container, get creative with asurreal terrarium.
What is the Main Growing Season of This Carnivorous Plant?
Image credits:bigbowlowrong
The fly traps grow actively during summertime, which starts around February.
The plants grow rapidly around early to mid-May.
They die back to a dormant rhizome during the winter months around October.
Remove all soil, locate the spot where two rhizomes connect, and pull them apart gently.
Ensure that the plants still have a good clump of roots attached.
The best time to propagate from leaf cuttings is in early summer.
How to Feed the Venus Flytrap?
The Venus fly trap food isnt like regular plant food.
If they are kept outside, they will find food naturally.
Keeping these plants indoors involves feeding them small bugs or flies periodically.
Image credits:jemmaliggett13
The traps are edged with small bristles that interlock.
The trigger hairs must be stimulated; otherwise, the trap wont close.
If you are using dead prey, place the bug in the trap.
Use a small paintbrush to touch it until you get the lobes to snap shut.
After it is closed, stimulate the triggers again to ensure the plant digests its food.
Image credits:Shake-Me-Down
You should handle the plant carefully and avoid unnecessary touching of the traps and leaves.
Digesting an organism takes a Venus fly trap 35 days.
Avoid feeding it large meat like chicken, steak, or hot dogs.
Dont give it human food like candy or chocolates.
Pro Tip:Feeding one trap per week will provide enough nutrients to the plant.
Winter Dormancy
The plants winter dormancy usually lasts between November to February.
Vladan states, Many beginners dont know that Venus flytraps go into hibernation.
They need a winter dormancy period with a temperature ranging from 0C and 12C (32F to 53F).
You should use less water and reduce the watering frequency during hibernation.
The plant wont photosynthesize as much in lower temperatures, so it will absorb less water.
However, dont let the soil dry out fully, he says.
If you are using a terrarium, dont let it freeze.
This can endanger the plants and cause the glass to break.
Some beginner growers also believe that their plants should avoid hibernation.
What Are the Common Pests and Problems of the Venus Flytrap?
There isnt much that the Venus flytraps are threatened by.
you should probably steer clear of just a few common pests.
Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can damage the entire plant.
it’s possible for you to remove them slowly with tweezers.
Another way is to submerge the plant in distilled water for two days.
If the infestation doesnt clear, loop back and try.
In cases of severe infestations, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Image credits:Kelly
Fungus Gnats
These are fruit-fly-sized insects that often harmindoor plants.
you could control them by drenching the soil withBacillus thuringiensis(BT), a biological pesticide.
Prevent them from coming again by keeping the soil slightly moist, not soggy.
Image credits:dangermouse-z164
What Are Some Cultivars of Venus Flytraps?
There is only one species of Venus flytrap with a couple of unusual varieties of cultivars.
Its leaves turn dark red in full sunlight, and it drops all its leaves during the winter dormancy.
It can grow up to 4 inches tall and should be kept indoors in cold climates.
King Henry
Image credits:sammitychan
This Venus flytrap is also calledDionaea MuscipulaKing Henry.
It grows up to 5 inches tall and has large traps.
It is one of the biggest Venus fly trap cultivars.
Gremlin
Image credits:xraystation
This Venus flytrap is also calledDionaea MuscipulaGremlin.
It is an all-green fly trap that comes with large clumps of traps.
Each one can grow up to an inch long over time.
How Can You Buy a Venus Fly Trap?
Venus flytraps are readily available through online garden centers.
You should also check local nurseries or large retailers like Home Deport or Walmart.
Check for signs of pests or damage before buying them.
Most of the Venus flytraps should cost between $47.
Did You Fall Into the Venus Fly Trap?
Image credits:Pham Manh
After reading all this, were sure this unique plant has won you over.
Its incredible qualities and special features make it one of the most wonderful plants in the world.
You might become a carnivorous plant connoisseur once you get the hang of its quirks!
Check out these interesting macro photos of thealien-like carnivorous Drosera plantfor more options.
Venus Flytrap FAQs
Why Are Venus Flytraps Illegal?
It isnt illegal to keep a Venus flytrap, but poaching wild plants is punishable by law.
This is because the declining population of the Venus flytrap led it to become an endangered species.
How Long Does It Take for a Venus Flytrap to Eat a Fly?
The fly trap takes 35 days to complete digestion but can take longer.
Once the digestion is complete, the trap will slowly open again.
How Many Times Can a Venus Flytrap Close Before It Dies?
The Venus flytrap might close 610 times before dying.
Be careful not to keep triggering the lobes all the time to prevent the plant from wasting energy.
How Do You Trigger a Venus Flytrap?
Brush the trigger-like hairs to close on prey.
Ensure the plant seals shut by brushing the hairs again.
Two touches within 30 seconds are enough to trigger the trap.
Does Venus Fly Trap Eat Gnats?
Yes, Venus fly traps eat gnats along with flying insects, beetles, spiders, and ants.
Dont feed it anything larger than 1/3rd of its size.
