Venus Flytrap Care

Venus flytraps eat flies.

Venus flytraps evoke interest due to their mouth-like traps that snap shut on insects. A carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap's modified leaves have tiny hair-like sensors that alert the plant to close when an unsuspecting insect lands on them. Displaying a green color commonly accompanied by a red hue within the trap, these plants reach a height of 3 to 6 inches. Although they are interesting to grow as houseplants, growers should take care not to pester the plant, as a trap typically dies within two to four closings, according to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sphagnum peat moss
• Sand
• Terrarium
• Insects

1. Grow Venus flytrap plants in locations providing full sunlight, either outdoors or in a sun-filled window. Provide at least two hours of sunlight a day. Reduce sun exposure to your Venus flytrap houseplant if it begins wilting.

2. Cultivate Venus flytraps in moist conditions, as they are fond of high humidity. Grow the Venus flytrap in moist, well-drained soil composed of sphagnum peat moss and sand. Care for your Venus flytrap as a houseplant if your region does not provide the high humidity this plant needs. Use a terrarium to house the flytrap as a means of maintaining a controlled, humid environment.

3. Maintain a soil pH of approximately 5.0 for best plant health, according to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

4. Transplant your Venus flytrap into fresh soil once every 3 years or so to maintain optimal growth and health, according to the Botanical Society of America.

5. Feed your Venus flytraps if you are growing them as houseplants. Feed your plant two flies or other small insects daily, according to the Botanical Society of America.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid drought and fertilization of soil, as these conditions harm the Venus flytrap. Do not worry about feeding your flytrap plant if it is grown outdoors as the natural population of insects is sufficient. Avoid feeding your plant other meat-based products.

References

• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Venus Flytrap - Plant of the Week
• NC State University Cooperative Extension Service: Carnivorous Plants: Dionaea muscipula - Venus Flytrap
• Botanical Society of America: The Mysterious Venus Flytrap