The “trap” of a Venus flytrap is a modified leaf.
This leaf/trap consists of two lip-like lobes united by a hinge.
Nectar within the trap is the bait that draws an insect into its death.
After digestion, the “jaws” reopen.
It is no harder to care for than many other houseplants, but it does require specific conditions.
Aim for at least 4 hours of this to be bright, direct sunlight.
In the absence of rainwater, use distilled water.
Types of Venus Flytraps
Plant developers have produced manycultivarsof this unusual plant.
Playing up the bizarre nature of the Venus flytrap, the cultivars sport colorful names.
When grown indoors, as is more common, you may need to provide it with some meals.
Once your plant is healthy, occasionally provide it with live insects.
Using all-purpose houseplant soil or planting methods will likely cause your Venus flytrap to die.
What Kind of Soil Is Best?
Venus flytraps thrive in wet, acidic, nutrient-poor soil.
To recreate it indoors, use a 1:1 mixture of peat moss and perlite.
Ceramic, glass, and especiallyclosed terrarium-style containersare best avoided.
The pot doesn’t need to be particularly wide, but providing decent depth is helpful.
Four inches deep is a minimum, but deeper is better, up to 12 inches.
When to Repot
Venus flytraps grow best if they’re repotted every 6 to 12 months.
To repot a Venus flytrap, use a pot that is at least 4 inches deep.
Gently pat down the soil around the roots and water the plant deeply.
Keep the plant in the coolest room of your home and cut back on the amount of water.
Give it just enough water so the soil does not dry out completely.
Horticultural oil orinsecticidal soapprovides some control for a severe aphid infestation.
Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) as a natural control for fungus gnats.
The plant is non-toxic to pets.
Being carnivorous doesn’t mean it’ll eat just anything.
Alternatively, remove any damaged or dead traps in the summer or fall.
Leave the plant untouched during the winter.
Venus flytraps eat very few insects, and it takes the plant a long time to digest one.
Two other plants are considered carnivorous, like the Venus flytrap.
eat slightly larger bugs like flies or ants.
Dionaea muscipula.North Carolina State University Extension.
Venus Flytrap.San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Carnivorous conservation.The University of North Carolina.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Venus Fly Trap.
