How do you take care of venus fly traps
How to Water, Feed, & Tend This Carnivorous Plant
Venus fly traps (also called Venus flytraps or just a flytrap) are among the coolest plants you can grow. In their native habitat, Venus fly traps live for years. Unfortunately, they are often short-lived plants in cultivation, but this is only because most people don’t care for them properly. In this article, you’ll learn all the essential basics of Venus fly trap care.
Venus fly traps are unique plants to add to your collection but caring for them requires some special considerations.Varieties of Venus fly traps
There is only one species of Venus fly trap, Dionaea muscipula, and it is native to a small region of eastern North and South Carolina. Over the years, it has been bred to exhibit different traits, and there are now dozens of different cultivars on the market. Some of the types of Venus fly traps you may come across include ‘Red Dragon’ which has a dark red coloration, ‘Justina Davis’ which is a solid green, ‘Flaming Lips’ which has bright orange traps, and ‘Purple Haze’ which has deep purple traps, among many others. There are some pretty funky growth forms out there, too, though they are often only available through specialty plant nurseries. Most are propagated via tissue culture, but sadly, wild collecting does still take place, even though it puts native populations in peril.
The majority Venus fly trap varieties grow just an inch or two tall and wide, though some larger cultivars exist.
There are many varieties of Venus fly traps on the market, but they all come from just a single species of this cool plant.Venus fly trap care essentials
In order to properly care for a Venus fly trap plant, you first have to understand what it needs. Like other plants, what a fly trap needs to grow is based on where it evolved and what it requires from its natural environment. The same factors you consider when caring for other plants should also be taken into account when it comes to caring for a Venus fly trap. In a nutshell, those factors are light, the growing medium, water, nutrition, and, for Venus fly traps, a special dormancy period. We’ll talk about each of these factors in turn. But first, let’s talk about the fact that Venus fly traps can be grown both indoors and out.
Fly traps evolved in soils that are very nutrient poor, leading them to develop the ability to absorb nutrients from trapped and digested insect prey.Venus fly trap care: indoors vs. outdoors
Venus fly traps are significantly easier to care for when grown outside as a winter-tender plant, rather than growing them indoors. Home environments aren’t ideal, unless you have a very sunny windowsill and can give the plants a lot of attention. However, I’ll discuss both indoor and outdoor Venus fly trap care in this article because I know that not everyone has the ability or space to grow them outdoors.
The best planting mix for Venus flytrap plants
Regardless of whether you decide to grow your fly trap indoors or out, you’ll need to consider the best growing mixture to use first. Venus fly traps evolved in the very lean, nutrient-poor soil of bogs. That’s why they developed the interesting adaptation of relying on nutrients absorbed from their insect prey, rather than from the soil.
Do not plant Venus fly traps in garden soil or in regular potting soil. Instead, use a mix containing two parts peat moss and one part perlite as ingredients. An alternative mix is a 50/50 blend of peat moss and perlite. Pure high-quality fiber sphagnum moss is a third option.
Long-fiber sphagnum moss makes a good potting medium, though finding a high-quality source is essential. Here, I’ve taken a plant out of its pot to show you how the roots are wrapped in sphagnum threads.The best light levels for Venus fly traps
These carnivorous plants require a lot of sun. If you’re growing your plant outdoors, 4 or more hours of direct sunlight followed by 2-4 hours of bright indirect light is best. Indoors, a south-facing window that receives at least 6 hours of full sun is necessary if you live in the northern hemisphere. Alternatively, put the plant under a grow light for 10-12 hours per day during the growing season. Choose a light system that produces light in the blue wavelength and place the lights about 6 to 8 inches above the plant tops.
I much prefer growing Venus fly traps outside to growing them indoors. It’s an easy way to ensure they receive enough light.Do Venus flytraps need to be in a terrarium?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to grow indoor Venus fly traps in a terrarium. In fact, fully closed terrariums can cause the plants to develop rot. If you have an open-topped terrarium with good aeration, flytraps should do fine (combine them with a pitcher plant and sundew for a truly carnivorous experience!). It’s just enough shelter to keep the humidity around the plant high, but not so much that it causes rot. Never grow fly traps in a terrarium outdoors, however, because the glass amplifies the sun which often leads to leaf burn.
This Venus fly trap is growing in an open-top glass terrarium.How to water a Venus fly trap
Indoors or out, keep the growing medium moist to wet at all times. Remember, these are bog plants. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Water the plant by sitting the base of the pot in a saucer of water for a few hours at a time every few days. Some growers leave the pot sitting in a saucer with a half inch of water in it at all times, but I find this increases the risk of rot. If you’re growing a fly trap outdoors, to keep the roots from becoming too hot on the hottest days of summer, add cool water to the saucer on a daily basis.
Use distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater only to water Venus fly traps. They do not tolerate water with chlorine, dissolved minerals, or salts in it. Do not use tap water. This is very important.
Feeding your plant is either fun or gross, depending on your outlook. The good news is that if you grow your plants outdoors, they’ll catch plenty of prey on their own.How to feed a Venus fly trap
If you grow your fly traps outdoors, they catch plenty of prey all on their own, but if you’re growing them indoors, you can catch flies, beetles, spiders, crickets, or other garden insects in a net and use a pair of terrarium tweezers to feed the bug to your plant.
Inside each of the traps are a handful of trigger hairs. If the movement of an insect hits the same hair twice within a few seconds or two different hairs are tapped in quick succession, the trap is triggered to close. Digestive enzymes are then released by the insect’s continued movement after the trap has been triggered, and the plant is able to absorb the nutrients contained in the insect. Feeding a Venus fly trap in this way is not necessary, but it sure is fun!
A few don’ts when it comes to feeding bugs to a Venus fly trap:
- Never feed your plant prey during winter dormancy (more on this in a bit).
- Do not feed your plant hamburger or any other meat. It’s not able to digest it since the enzymes are only released by movement that takes place after the trap has closed.
- Do not feed your plants more than one or two bugs per month.
Fertilizer for Venus fly trap care
Since fly traps live in lean soils, there’s no need to add supplemental fertilizer. They do not like compost, or granular or liquid fertilizers. In most cases, fertilizing kills them.
How often should you repot a Venus fly trap?
Repot Venus fly traps every year or two, selecting a slightly larger pot and changing the growing medium each time. The best time to repot a fly trap is in the early spring.
Venus fly trap care in winter – dormancy is essential!
When autumn arrives, Venus fly trap plants begin to shift into a winter dormancy period. They stop growing and most of the leaves turn black and die. The mechanism that triggers any remaining traps to close no longer works. This is your signal that the plant is shifting into its winter dormancy. This dormancy period is absolutely necessary and lasts 3 or 4 months. Remember, your plant is not dead. Don’t throw it away; just change how you care for it.
Dormancy is triggered by the shorter days and dropping temperatures of autumn. It’s nothing to panic about, I promise. Trying to fight this natural dormancy period spells death for your plant, so don’t ignore it. Plants need it, regardless of whether they are growing indoors or out.
When dormancy arrives, the leaves begin to turn black and die off. Any remaining traps will no longer function.Regardless of whether you grow your plant indoors or out, put it in a cool location, such as an unheated attached garage or a cool basement, for the dormancy period. The plant doesn’t need much light, but close to a window is best. Venus fly traps can survive occasional winter temperatures as low as 20°F in the wild, but in a container, they aren’t quite as hardy. Winter dormancy temperatures that hover between 50° and 35°F are ideal. If you live in a region where the outdoor temperatures don’t drop lower than 30°F, there’s no need to move the plant into a garage; just leave it outdoors through the dormancy period.
Let all the leaves turn black and die. The plant is resting. During winter dormancy, be sure the plant is kept moist at all times. Do not feed your plant and do not fuss with it. Just let it be.
When spring arrives, the temperatures rise into the 50s, and the days lengthen, move your plants back into your living space if you’re growing them indoors. Or, put them back on a sunny patio if you’re growing them outdoors. If there are any dead leaves clinging to the plant, now is the time to cut them off.
Grow a whole colony of Venus fly traps in a large, deep bowl. Simply move the bowl into a garage for the winter dormancy period and keep it moist.Venus fly trap care basics
As you can see, caring for Venus fly traps correctly is the perfect combination of art and science. They are truly fascinating plants that deserve a home with any gardener willing to let them have their winter rest.
Need more care advice for carnivorous plants? I recommend The Savage Garden by Peter D’Amato.
For more on growing unique plants, check out these articles:
- Lithops: How to care for living stones plants
- Pilea peperomioides care
- The best low-light succulents
- Fishbone cactus growing advice
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Venus Fly Trap: How To Care For The Carnivorous Plant At Home
Venus flytrap, aka
Dionaea muscipula.Native to North and South Carolina, Venus flytraps thrive with plenty of heat, sunlight, and water. Because their roots are used to growing in bogs—a type of wetland—this is a plant that will need to be kept continually damp.
Venus flytraps are known for capturing insects and bugs. They do best when grown outside, although it is possible to grow indoors if you can create the right conditions. You can purchase Venus flytraps from most nurseries, garden centers, and online plant shops.
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How carnivorous plants work.
Venus flytraps are a carnivorous plant, meaning they rely on insects for nutrients instead of soil, amendment, or fertilizer. They've evolved traps that have structures that look like hair and are able to shut and squeeze their prey.
"Once captured, the plant releases an enzymatic substance that breaks down the trapped prey into nutrients the plant can utilize," says Bloomscape's gardening expert Lindsay Pangborn. "If nothing is detected in the trap, it will typically open back up after a day."
Growing a Venus flytrap.
Venus flytraps are unique plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors, though they have special soil needs and are best planted in containers.
"Because of its specific soil requirements, avoid planting it directly into the ground, unless you have created a specific type of bog garden," says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising and resident plant dad at 1-800-Flowers.com. "You may also grow it in a pond or fountain but keep the crown of the plant above water."
When Venus flytraps are grown with proper care, the entire plant can get as big as five inches in diameter.
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Caring for the plant.
Venus flytraps aren't quite as simple or straightforward to care for as other houseplants. Though once you know their specific needs and provide the right conditions, you'll have a thriving carnivorous plant.
Water
Venus flytraps love water and need to be kept moist at all times, unlike most plants where it's best to let the soil dry out until the next watering. "Venus flytraps should be kept consistently moist. Water when 25% of their growing medium has dried out," says Pangborn.
Palomares shares that depending on the time of year and where you live, you'll typically need to water every two to four days.
Although this plant needs moist conditions, you want to avoid overwatering them. "They should never be allowed to sit in water, as this will cause the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant," says Stephen Webb, gardening expert and founder of Garden's Whisper.
If you're used to using tap water for your plants, when it comes to Venus flytraps, you'll have to go the extra mile to keep them happy. "Be sure to use distilled or reverse osmosis water since tap water can contain minerals that can harm the plant over time," says Pangborn.
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Sunlight
These plants need lots of sunlight and heat to thrive, and the more they receive, the faster they will grow. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is necessary, and according to Palomares, they do best if they have 10 to 12 hours of sunlight per day.
If you're growing your Venus flytrap indoors, make sure to place it next to a sunny window or supplement with a grow light. "Grow lights are not as intense as the real thing, so if this is your only option, leave the light on for 12 to 16 hours per day," Pangborn recommends. It's best to move your Venus flytrap outside during the summer months so it can soak up that bright sun.
Soil
Venus flytraps are finicky about their growing medium. "These plants have evolved to take in nutrients from their traps, rather than through roots in the soil like most other plants," says Pangborn. So what should you plant them in? "It's best to use sphagnum moss or a mix of peat moss and an aerating medium like perlite," says Pangborn.
You also don't want to give your Venus flytrap any added nutrients. In fact, you want to do the opposite and avoid any nutrient-rich soil or amendment. "Never use potting soil, compost, or fertilizer, as these ingredients will kill your plant," says Palomares.
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What to feed a Venus flytrap.
Typically, Venus flytraps fend for themselves when it comes to catching and eating food. They have evolved to be able to hunt prey without relying on plant parents to help them out. "Although some growers like to feed their flytrap, it's not necessary; this plant has adapted to capturing insects on its own, and insects will naturally be attracted to it," explains Palomares.
That being said, if you're growing inside and there aren't any bugs in your space, you should consider feeding the plant. "A fly, spider, or other small morsel once every few weeks will keep your plant powered up," explains Pangborn. If you're wondering what's the best way to feed your plant, "you can use a pair of tweezers to gently put the bug into the trap," explains Webb.
"If the plant is not hungry, it will remain open for a while and then close up within an hour or two, which means it does not want to eat that specific bug," Webb adds.
You need to pay attention to size because not all bugs or insects are suitable for a Venus flytrap. "A good rule of thumb is to choose insects that are one-third of the size of the trap," says Palomares.
Common problems & how to fix.
Look out for the following signs that your Venus flytrap isn't happy with its current conditions:
- Brown and crispy leaves: "Since Venus flytraps consistently need damp soil and high humidity, allowing the plant to get too dry can cause browning, crispy leaves, and traps," explains Pangborn. Make sure to keep your plant slightly damp at all times (but not soggy) and consider placing it next to a humidifier.
- Skipped dormant period: Resting and recharging are important for humans, and the same is true for Venus flytraps. As days get shorter and the weather gets colder, your plant should go into dormancy. "Venus flytraps naturally go dormant over the winter months, and it's best to let your plant follow its natural rhythm rather than forcing it to 'stay awake' over the winter," says Pangborn. Keep up with the aforementioned care tips, and your plant should make its way to dormancy on its own.
- Black spots: If you notice black spots or unpleasant odors on your plant, it's likely an issue with its growing medium. "This specific plant needs nutrient-free, mineral-free soil to survive," Palomares reiterates. "Any other type of soil will poison your plant."
Tips to keep in mind.
With these final quick tips, you'll be ready to nurse your Venus flytrap to vibrant health:
- Move your Venus flytrap outside during the summer months if you're growing it as an indoor plant.
- "If you live in an area with cold, freezing winters, make sure to bring the plant back indoors before it gets too cold and the temperature drops below the mid-40s," says Webb.
- "While the Venus flytrap does require heat exposure, they shouldn't be in contact with heat surpassing 95 degrees Fahrenheit as it will dry out very quickly," says Palomares.
The bottom line.
If you're wanting to add a carnivorous plant to your growing plant family, the Venus flytrap can be a fun one to bring home as a houseplant or garden addition. Although they aren't the easiest plant to care for, as Pangborn says, "Venus flytraps can be a challenging but rewarding choice!"
Venus Flytrap Care | Dionea at home
Our store offers a wide variety of exotic plants. The Venus flytrap, or dionea, is one of the most sought after options, and here's why:
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This is a fairly rare plant that can not be found on every windowsill.
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Dionea is a very striking representative of exotic plants: it hunts with the help of leaf plates that have turned into deadly traps, has an unusual color and feeds on shellless insects. Watching the hunt is very interesting! nine0005
Dioneya feels good at home: if you follow a few rules, there will be no problems with care. What can and cannot be done with a Venus flytrap - we will tell in this article.
Lighting
The Venus flytrap grows naturally in swampy areas on the east coast of the United States of America. Therefore, your task is to recreate these climatic conditions as much as possible. nine0005
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When choosing a place, pay attention to the southern windowsill. On the east or west window, Dionea also feels good: 5 hours of sunlight per day is the minimum necessary for the normal growth and development of the plant. It is not necessary to protect the flycatcher from the sun, the main thing is that it should not be stuffy, like in a bathhouse.
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In the spring-summer period, the Venus flytrap begins an active hunt. Practice shows that she copes well with the capture of insects herself. nine0005
You need to know!
In autumn and winter, the sun rarely appears, so the flycatcher needs additional lighting. Phytolamp is best suited for this purpose. It is not difficult to understand that a plant lacks light: its leaves stretch and lose their brightness.
Temperature and watering
Dionea is a heat-loving flower, therefore it grows well and develops at temperatures from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius. In summer, the flycatcher calmly tolerates higher temperatures, but if this regime is maintained throughout the year, the plant will not live long. In winter, the flower needs rest. nine0005
Let's say you have already chosen a place for a flycatcher pot. It's time to take care of its watering.
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The plant does not absorb mineral salts from the soil and is very demanding on the composition and quality of water.
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Distilled or rain water, as well as melted snow at room temperature, is suitable for watering a Venus flytrap. Tap water cannot be used. Even after a long standing, it remains tough, and there are many questions about its composition. nine0005
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The plant needs bottom watering, but occasionally a little water can be added from above to avoid charring of the soil. Fill the tray with water, and the flycatcher flower will take the amount of moisture it needs. The earth in the pot should not dry out!
In winter, the plant must be sent for wintering!
How to choose soil and pot?
The choice of a pot is a matter of taste, but this plant looks most solemn in a white background. It is also often chosen in the case when a flower is bought not for themselves, but as a gift. nine0005
The beauty and health of a plant depends on the soil. Due to the inability to absorb minerals, the flycatcher prefers poor soils. It can be a mixture of peat and quartz sand (an alternative is perlite soaked in distilled water). In order not to buy the components separately and not to experiment with the proportions indicated on the Internet, we recommend that you purchase ready-made primer for dionea (it is always on sale).
This is important!
When choosing a pot, focus on the size of the plant. The container must not be too wide! As for color, light shades heat up less in the sun, which avoids overheating of the root system. nine0043 The correct pot must necessarily have drainage holes and a pan into which water is poured.
Dionea planting and transplanting: the most popular options
Variety selection depends on personal preference, but the most popular options are the typical form, large mouth and red dragon. Before placing an order, it is important to understand exactly what you need:
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Seeds. Option for advanced flower growers. It takes up to three years to grow a dionea. Of course, a flycatcher grown from seeds is a clear expression of the invested work, skill and patience, but in the absence of experience, we recommend starting with other options. An interesting fact is that a small venus flytrap, most likely, will not look like its parents - this is a feature of this breeding method. If you decide to get seeds at home, you need to consider two points: the plant begins to bloom at the age of 2-3 years and does not belong to the category of self-pollinated. This "work" will have to be taken on, as well as growing seeds in a container, transplanting, careful care of the Venus flytrap during the rooting period. nine0005
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Seedlings. These are small flycatchers placed in a temporary pot. After receiving the parcel, the plant must be transplanted within 1-2 weeks. Accordingly, it is better to prepare the soil and container in advance.
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Plant in a pot. The older the flower, the more magnificent and larger it is. If you buy a flycatcher as a gift, pay attention to the plants planted in a pot with automatic watering.
What do we do for you?
You have the right to choose any of the offered options, our task is to provide you with a quality product. Germination of seeds of carnivorous plants is about 70%. In practice, this means that 7 out of 10 potential plants will sprout. The second direction of our activity is the cultivation of Venus flytrap specifically for sale. We understand that our customers are located in various parts of Russia, and therefore we pay special attention to packaging and transportation conditions. In order to keep the plants warm on the way, we ship them between April and November, but this is not the only reason for choosing this interval. Many plants go dormant in winter. It is impossible to transplant flowers during this period. In spring and summer, we recommend using the following algorithm:
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Carefully remove the flower from the transport container.
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Clear the roots from the ground.
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Prepare a container at least 20 cm deep and place a layer of substrate on the bottom.
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Place the plant in the middle of the pot and cover it with the rest of the soil.
The soil does not need to be compacted to allow it to breathe better. Be sure to check for drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. nine0005
How long is the adaptation period?
Transplanting and changing places is stressful for any plant. The standard duration of the adaptation period is 1 month. At this time, it is very important not to move the plant from place to place and organize proper watering and additional lighting.
About flowering and eating
The flycatcher releases a peduncle. The flowers themselves are small, look like stars and smell pleasant, luring insects into a trap. nine0005
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Flowering can last up to two months, but it must be understood that prolonged flowering depletes the flower.
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If you are not interested in growing a Venus flytrap from seeds, it is better to cut off the peduncle, which prevents the plant from developing and forming large traps.
Interesting fact
Most plants require fertilizer during flowering and active growth. Here the situation is completely different: since the root system is not able to receive minerals from the soil, it synthesizes them on its own, but it will not be possible to solve the problem with a lack of nitrogen in this way. nine0005
The only source of nitrogen is stray insects that fall into its trap. If you take the pot out to the balcony in the spring and summer, the plant will cope with this task on its own, but you should not feed the flower with dead flies (if necessary, only live ones). Also, the flycatcher will not refuse mosquitoes and spiders.
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Do not feed the flycatcher with beetles, worms and hard-shelled insects and human food (sausage, meat and other foods).
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Avoid complementary feeding during the adaptation period, in winter or if the plant is sick. Digestion of an insect is an energy-consuming process.
Failure to follow these recommendations will result in the death of the trap due to the inability to properly digest food. The ideal "lunch" of a flower that eats flies takes up no more than 1/3 of the area of the trap!
How does the flycatcher winter?
Preparation for hibernation begins around October, but it is necessary to remove the plant for wintering in November-December. It is not difficult to understand that the plant is preparing for hibernation: the flycatcher gives wide leaves, the traps, on the contrary, become small. Thus Dionea saves the roots from the cold. nine0005
At this time, it is important to reduce watering, but still do not allow the soil to dry out completely. If you forget about watering for a long time, the Dionea plant may not wake up.
Is it possible to revive the flycatcher?
The answer to this question depends on two factors: the degree of damage to the plant and the speed of your reaction. If the rhizome is painted white, the flycatcher can be saved. To do this, carefully remove the blackened parts of the plant and transplant it into a new pot with suitable soil. During the rehabilitation period, the flycatcher is especially in dire need of sunlight, so the presence of a lamp aimed at dionea 12 hours a day is a necessary condition. nine0005
The flycatcher rarely gets sick, however, if two factors coincide - waterlogging of the soil and low temperature - a fungus may appear on the roots, and gray rot on the stem and leaves. This "infection" is treated with fungicides, which can be purchased at any store selling indoor plants. With timely detection of the problem, the chances of recovery are great. But the yellowing of the leaves indicates that you are watering the flycatcher with unsuitable water, such as tap water, or you have flooded the flower. Here it is important to realize the mistake in time and change hard water to distillate or normalize the irrigation regime. nine0005
Frequently asked questions
Venus flytrap is a beautiful and unusual predator, so it is often bought as a gift. Before making a purchase decision, we are asked a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones:
Is the Venus flytrap dangerous for humans?
Venus flytrap is completely safe for both humans and pets. Her only interest is small insects: spiders, mosquitoes, flies and midges. If a child touches the trap, nothing will happen to his finger: the leaves of the plant are soft, and the “juice” does not begin to be produced immediately. Just think, one insect can take up to 10 days to digest. nine0005
On the other hand, frequent “playing” with the flycatcher can lead to its death. Each closing of the trap is accompanied by a large expenditure of energy. If you “deceive” the flytrap infrequently, nothing terrible will happen - in a day or two it will open again, but such manipulations on an ongoing basis can destroy the plant. If you want to observe a "living organism", catch a fly and try to feed the flycatcher, while the insect must be alive.
Is it difficult to take care of carnivorous plants? nine0004Your order comes with a detailed guide to caring for your venus flytrap at home, so in most cases there are no problems. All a flycatcher needs is soft water and good (natural or artificial) lighting. With the capture of insects, the flycatcher, as a rule, does an excellent job on its own.
How long does a flycatcher live?
Venus flytrap is a perennial plant that can live for decades if properly cared for.
We will be glad if, after reading this article, you still decide to purchase this amazing flower. In our store, the most common and unpretentious plants, as well as everything you need to grow a flycatcher at home - special soil, seeds, pots.
We deliver all plants presented on the site in Russia. Residents of Moscow and the Moscow region can arrange courier delivery, as well as pick up a flower from our showroom. Goods are sent to other regions by Russian Post, Boxberry and SDEK. nine0005
If you are looking for the most beautiful exotic plants - look at the Exotica online store. We guarantee a wide selection and reasonable prices!
Care and cultivation of Venus Flytrap at home
Venus flytrap is an unusual, insectivorous plant that is increasingly winning the hearts of flower growers. Many gardeners are afraid to grow them because of the difficult care. But is it?!
Despite their popularity, the main reason why they die quite quickly in our homes is the lack of proper care. Of course, these are not the easiest plants to care for, but when you follow simple tips for flycatchers, they will be able to please you for a long time in the office or at home. It is interesting to know that some flycatchers, with proper care, can live up to 30 years.
There is only one type of flycatcher - Venus flytrap (lat. Dionaea muscipula) , you can often still hear the name Dionea. This name comes from the Latin name of the genus Dionaea . But, despite the fact that there are different varieties, most of them have identical care requirements. Varieties create personality with their appearance, some have large traps and others come in different colors. nine0005
Lighting.
Venus flytrap in its natural environment is found in wet swamps with poor light levels. But, since this plant initially grows in much more open places that receive a lot of direct sunlight, they should be provided with a sunny place.
Soil. Never use nutrient-rich flycatcher soil. Such soil will rather kill this plant than help it develop well. For planting and transplanting a flycatcher, a mixture of sand, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite is suitable. You can also buy the necessary soil mixture at flower shops. nine0043 Watering. Venus flytrap needs fairly moderate watering in the warm season. But in winter, the soil can be almost dry.
This plant also has special water requirements. Do not water the flycatcher with plain tap water. Tap water contains salts and other additional minerals, which, although beneficial to human health, are mostly toxic to these plants as they make the water alkaline. For watering flycatchers, rainwater, distilled or bottled water should be used. nine0005
Humidity .
When the air is very dry, flycatcher leaves dry up and look very unattractive. Therefore, a water pan should be used to increase the humidity. Some of the water will be used by the plant, but some of the water will evaporate, creating a slightly humid microclimate.
Fertilizers. Never feed a Venus flytrap fertilizer! This is not only unnecessary, but also potentially fatal. Being predatory, they collect all the necessary nutrients from flies and other small insects, which they catch and digest. nine0005
Temperature .
Normal room temperature is ideal for growing Venus Flytrap. They can also easily cope with a slight drop in temperature, especially during the cold season.
Transplant .
The general rule is that Dionea should be repotted once a year or every two years in spring or summer. If your plant has not filled the entire pot, then a transplant is not required. In this case, only the soil is updated. nine0005
Reproduction .
Propagating a Venus flytrap from seeds is not an easy task and this method of reproduction is not suitable for beginner flower growers.
The easiest way to propagate this plant is by daughter bulbs, which Dionea forms in the process of its growth. For propagation by bulbs, carefully, with a sharp knife, cut off the daughter bulb. It should be noted that it has a sufficient number of roots. The cut point on the mother bulb must be treated with crushed coal, which will prevent the appearance of rot. Then the daughter bulb is simply transplanted into a separate pot with prepared soil and watered. Since this plant is not fast growing, it will take time for it to grow. nine0043 Venus flytrap feeding. It is because of feeding that it causes such interest among flower growers. If your flycatcher grows on an open balcony, then it will catch insects on its own. If the plant grows indoors, then it should be fed no more than 1-2 times a month. One fly is digested by a flycatcher for 10-14 days. It is also interesting that if the plant is “full”, then it will “refuse” food.
Flowering .
Venus flytrap sometimes produces flowers. However, they do not add to the attractiveness of the plant. In fact, their appearance leads to the depletion of plant resources, and can negatively affect the production of leaves and traps. Therefore, when a peduncle appears, it is better to carefully cut it. But flowering is an indicator that your flycatcher is healthy and you are taking care of it properly. nine0005
Winter holidays.
During the cold season, the majority of indoor plants "rest". And the flycatcher will be no exception. In winter, it is preferable to lower the room temperature slightly. In addition, the amount of watering is reduced to 1-2 times a month. During this period, the growth of the plant practically stops, part of the foliage turns black and dies. But in the spring, as a rule, dead leaves are replaced by young ones.
When growing a Venus flytrap at home, remember that the trap has a limited "lifetime" of 4-5 circuits. After that, the traps, although they carry out photosynthesis, no longer function as a trap. nine0043 Problems that can arise when growing a Venus flytrap. Like other indoor plants, the Venus flytrap can get sick. Major diseases can be prevented with proper care.
Spring growth is very slow and weak - this means that the flycatcher has not "rested" in winter. Skipping winter rest, in most cases, will simply kill the plant.
Also, the Venus flytrap can die from lack of light or water. Therefore, these agricultural practices should be carefully monitored. And even watering with ordinary tap water can kill the flycatcher. Therefore, use distilled or rain water for irrigation. nine0005
And remember that all plants need proper care. Therefore, do not neglect our advice, and the Venus flytrap will delight you with its unusual appearance for many years.
The main conditions for keeping the Venus Flytrap at home
The Venus Flytrap is not a tropical plant, it comes from North America, so it is quite easy to keep it at home, but you need to know that the Flytrap is very demanding on lighting and quality the water with which it is watered. She does not need high humidity, a constantly warm location, or a large number of insects, as many people think.