Venus Flytrap Care Guide
Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are fascinating carnivorous plants that capture and digest insects. Native to North Carolina bogs, they require very specific care but are incredibly rewarding to grow.
Light Requirements
Need very bright, direct sunlight for 6+ hours daily or strong grow lights. Insufficient light weakens traps and prevents proper coloration. Red coloring indicates healthy light levels.
Water Requirements
Use only distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Never use tap water! Keep soil constantly moist by sitting pot in 1/2 inch of water. Change water every few days.
Soil & Planting
Use nutrient-poor soil mix of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite or sand. Never use regular potting soil or fertilizer - this will kill the plant.
Feeding
Don't need to feed if grown outdoors. Indoors, feed 1-2 traps per month with live or recently dead insects. Avoid triggering traps unnecessarily as it wastes energy.
Dormancy Period
Require 3-4 months of winter dormancy at 35-50°F. Reduce watering but keep soil moist. Plants may look dead but will regrow in spring.
Humidity
Prefer high humidity (50-70%). Use humidity trays or terrariums, but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Common Problems
- Black traps: Normal aging or triggered too often
- No red coloring: Insufficient light
- Weak growth: Wrong water, soil, or skipped dormancy
- Fungal issues: Poor air circulation or too much humidity
Trap Function
Each trap can only close 3-7 times before it dies. Avoid triggering traps for fun - let them catch real prey or feed appropriately.
Flowering
Produces white flowers on tall stalks. Cut flower stalks unless collecting seeds, as flowering weakens the plant.
Why They're Carnivorous
Evolved to catch insects because they grow in nutrient-poor bog soils. The insects provide nitrogen and other nutrients the soil lacks.