Common Name: Venus flytrap
Botanical Name: Dionaea muscipula
We describe Venus flytrap plants as carnivorous with a touch of elegance. This plant grows in a tight, circular rosette shape and usually has green leaves that represent its chlorophyll-filled foliage. However, the color of your Venus flytrap could vary, depending on how intense the lighting is and nutrient availability. Some Venus flytrap plants appear to have reddish or purplish hues. Venus flytraps have a specialized leaf structure, which are known as “traps” (hence the plants name). A mature version of this plant could potentially grow a flowering stalk, which will emerge from the center of the rosette. Overall, we find this plant SO cool and unique!
Light
To grow well, Venus flytrap plants need to exposure to bright, direct sunlight. It is recommended to put your plant in a spot where it is able to get at least four to six hours of sunlight directly every day. Also, try to pick a location for your Venus flytrap that is in a south-facing window or in a sunny spot outdoors. Make sure to not allow the sunlight that your Venus flytrap plants receive to be blocked by other plants or even objects, as this will prevent the plant from getting the amount of light that is needed for it to grow. If you decide to grow your plant indoors, where there is not as much natural light available, we suggest that you use artificial lighting. Place the lights close to the plant – 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) above the foliage. Although bright lighting is needed for Venus flytraps, ensure to not expose your plant to too much light intensity. Exposure to too much intense light could cause your Venus flytraps leaves to scorch.
Water
Keeping the level of moisture consistent is an essential when it comes to your Venus flytrap and watering it. Due to tap water usually containing minerals that could be harmful to the plant, we suggest that you water your plant with distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. You could water your Venus flytraps with the tray method. This is where you put the potted plant on a tray that is filled with purified water and it is helpful to keep a humid surrounding around the plant while also giving constant moisture. In the winter months, your Venus flytrap plant will need less water.
Soil
To thrive, it is crucial to keep the soil for your Venus flytrap moist at all times. However, avoid waterlogging and you can think of it as keeping the soil damp, as you would with a moist sponge.
Venus flytraps do best with acidic soil that has a pH level between 4 and 5.5. We recommend that your soil mix is specifically made for carnivorous plants or to make your own by using the common mixture of sphagnum peat moss and perlite in a ratio of exactly 2:1. This combination will give the right acidity and drainage for your plant.
We suggest to avoid regular potting soil since that type of soil is not suitable for Venus flytrap plants and it also usually retains to much moisture – causing the plants roots to suffocate.
Temperature
Regarding the temperature requirements for your Venus flytrap to thrive in, aim for temperatures within the range of 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the growing season.
Be sure to not allow your plant to be in freezing temperatures, as they are not frost-tolerant. During winter, you should give them a cool rest period. It is recommended that the dormancy temperature is exactly 35-50°F (2-10°C). This will be helpful to your plant conserving its energy and also will get it ready for new growth, after the winter season.
Humidity
As Venus flytraps do best in high humidity, try to maintain the level of humidity around 50% to 60% (or higher).
Growing your Venus flytrap indoors? Be sure to increase the humidity around the plant. This is especially crucial for drier environments and you can increase the humidity level by using a humidifier, putting the plant on a water-filled tray and pebbles, sparingly misting, monitoring air circulation, and avoiding drastic humidity changes.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer that has high levels of nitrogen (typically beneficial for most plants) is actually harmful to Venus flytraps. If your plant receives too much nitrogen, it can make the traps grow too fast and become weak or deformed. Additionally, it could cause an imbalance of nutrients, damaging the sensitive root system.
For your Venus flytrap to get the proper nutrition it needs, it is recommended to reply of their natural carnivorous feeding habits. Place them in a setting where they are able to capture insects. However, if you are growing your Venus flytrap indoors where insects are typically limited, replacing their diet with live or freeze-dried insects also will do the job.
Growth Rate
The growth rate for Venus flytrap plants are slower in comparison to many other plants. For this type of plant to reach its full size and maturity, it could take several years.
Venus flytrap start off as small rosettes of leaves that stem from the “crown”. When it is growing season, spring and summer, your plant will produce new leaves and will then slowly increase in size. Although the speed varies, on average, they can expand a few centimeters per month.
As time goes on, Venus flytrap plants might develop offsets around the base of the main plant, which can be placed in its own pot to grow new plants.
Pet Friend or Foe
Venus flytrap plants are considered pet friendly! Friend!
Pro Tips
- As Venus flytrap plants do not need fertilizers, you can provide it nutrients from captured insects.
- Do not feed your Venus flytrap with your fingers. In this case, it is best to let the plant catch its own prey.
- Remove any dead traps from your plant to help maintain the plants look and also help avoid them from wasting energy on dead tissue.