How to Grow a Venus Flytrap From Seed

Venus flytraps ((Dionaea muscipula) are fascinating plants that everyone enjoys growing and watching. When flies or other insects land on the hinged leaves, the jaws close, trapping the insect inside. Venus flytrap is simple to grow from seed. To get the seeds to germinate, provide heat and humidity. Plant the Venus flytrap seeds as soon as possible. The seed is viable, but after 100 days, the seed's viability decreases dramatically.

Things You'll Need

• Flat or disposable plastic food container with lid
• Knife
• Seed starter or peat moss
• Water
• Plastic
• Heat mat

Instructions

1. Fill a flat or disposable plastic food container with moist seed starter or peat moss. Poke tiny holes into the bottom of the plastic container and the lid, using a knife.

2. Place Venus flytrap seeds over the top or place one seed per peat pot. Barely cover the seeds with a fine layer of peat moss.

3. Water the seed starter or peat moss thoroughly. Cover the flat with plastic to help retain moisture and keep humidity high.

4. Place the flat on a heat mat. If you don't have a heat mat, put the tray in a warm location that receives indirect sunlight. For the seeds to germinate, place the flat or container in a location where the temperatures stay between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes four to six weeks for the seeds to germinate.

5. Remove the plastic cover when the seeds have germinated. Move the germination container to a location with direct sunlight.

6. Transplant the Venus flytrap two to three weeks later. Wait until the first two leaves are out of the seed and the first true leaf is forming.

Tips & Warnings

• If you see mold growing on the soil, remove the plastic for 30 minutes to an hour.

References

• Fly Trap Care: Propagation of Venus Fly Traps
• Fly Trap Care: Growing Venus Flytraps from Seed
• Planet Natural: Growing Venus Fly Traps