FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

This indicates that the food item offered was too large and rotted instead of being digested. Trim the black trap off and use smaller food items next time. In nature, insects that are too large to digest are also strong enough to escape from the trap, allowing the plant to avoid rotting a trap and wasting energy.
A: No, Venus flytraps are not illegal to own or cultivate in most parts of the world. However, there may be restrictions on their collection or export from the wild, as they are considered a threatened species in their natural habitat. It is important to purchase Venus flytraps from reputable nurseries or dealers to ensure that they are legally and ethically obtained. Additionally, it is important to follow proper care instructions to ensure the plant's health and longevity.
A: While a Venus Flytrap can close its trap around your finger, it's important to know that it will not hurt you. The trap of a Venus Flytrap is designed to catch and digest small insects, not to harm larger organisms like humans. If you accidentally touch or trigger the hairs on the inner surface of a Venus Flytrap's trap, it may close on your finger, but it will not cause any pain or injury. The trap will likely remain closed for a few hours to a day before reopening. However, it's important to avoid touching the trap too much or too roughly, as this can damage the plant and cause it to lose its ability to catch insects. It's also worth noting that while a Venus Flytrap may be able to close around your finger, it's not recommended to intentionally stick your finger inside the trap. Not only can this damage the plant, but it's also unnecessary and can be risky. It's best to simply observe and appreciate the fascinating nature of this unique plant from a safe distance.
In general, once a bug is captured by a Venus Flytrap, it is unlikely to escape. When an insect triggers the tiny hairs on the inner surface of the trap, it causes the trap to snap shut and form a tight seal around the insect. The trap then begins to secrete digestive enzymes that break down the insect's body for the plant to absorb the nutrients. While it's possible for some very small insects to escape from a Venus Flytrap, it's not common. The traps are designed to catch and digest insects that are small enough to fit inside them, and they are very effective at doing so. It's worth noting, however, that Venus Flytraps don't need to catch insects to survive, but they do benefit from the additional nutrients that they provide. So while it can be fascinating to watch a Venus Flytrap catch and digest insects, it's not necessary to feed them insects if you're not comfortable with that. They can survive on just water and sunlight as long as they are grown in the right conditions.
It is possible to get the trap to close without feeding it just by touching the trigger hairs, however this is not a very good idea. Although doing this on occasion will not seriously hurt the plant, it does weaken it since the closing and opening is actually a growth process. If the plant does not get fed it will eventually run out of energy.
No. Never use any type of fertilizer with fly traps. They have very sensitive roots and it will quickly burn them and kill the plant. The insects that the plant traps act as a fertilizer. It is not okay to use plant fertilizer with your Venus Flytrap. Venus Flytraps are adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soil and rely on capturing insects to obtain the nutrients they need to survive. Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, which can harm or even kill the plant. If you provide your Venus Flytrap with a nutrient-rich soil or fertilize it, it will cause the plant to produce larger leaves and traps, but these will be weaker and more prone to damage or death. Over-fertilization can also cause a buildup of salts and minerals in the soil, which can damage the plant's roots and prevent it from absorbing water. Instead of using plant fertilizer, use a nutrient-poor soil mix specifically designed for carnivorous plants. You can also feed your Venus Flytrap small insects like fruit flies, gnats, or crickets to provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Remember to avoid overfeeding, as this can be harmful to the plant.
No, but it definitely helps them to grow faster and bigger. Just like regular plants, Venus Fly Traps can use sunlight to make energy if no insects are available.
A: Yes, Venus flytraps do work. Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that can capture and digest insects and other small prey, using a unique mechanism. The trap of the Venus flytrap consists of two hinged lobes that are lined with sensitive trigger hairs. When an insect or other small prey touches these trigger hairs, it stimulates the plant to snap shut, trapping the prey inside. Once the trap is closed, the plant secretes digestive enzymes to break down the prey and absorb the nutrients. Venus flytraps are adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils, so the nutrients obtained from their prey are essential for their growth and survival. While Venus flytraps may not be effective at controlling insect pests on a large scale, they are fascinating and unique plants that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are popular among hobbyists and collectors and are often used in educational settings to teach about carnivorous plants and the natural world.
The largest Venus flytraps can have traps that reach up to around 2 inches (5 cm) in length, though this is rare. A cultivar known as Dionaea B-52 is famous for its particularly large traps, sometimes exceeding the typical size range. These larger traps make the B-52 cultivar one of the most sought-after varieties among carnivorous plant enthusiasts. However, even with these larger varieties, Venus flytraps still remain small overall, with a typical rosette diameter of around 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm). The world record for the largest Venus flytrap trap, according to the Guinness World Records, was measured at 2.4 inches (6.1 cm).
Keeping a Venus Flytrap alive can be a bit more challenging than caring for other houseplants because they have specific growing conditions that must be met. However, with some knowledge and effort, it's definitely possible to keep a Venus Flytrap healthy and thriving. One of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for a Venus Flytrap is that they are carnivorous plants that require nutrient-poor soil and a humid environment. They also require bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day, and they need to be watered with distilled water or rainwater because they are sensitive to the minerals and chemicals found in tap water. Additionally, Venus Flytraps require a period of dormancy during the winter months where they stop growing and lose some of their leaves. During this time, they require less water and should be kept in a cool, bright location. If you can provide the right growing conditions for your Venus Flytrap, they can be fascinating and rewarding plants to care for. However, if you're not able to provide the right conditions, they may struggle and eventually die. So, while they may require a bit more effort than other houseplants, they are not impossibly difficult to keep alive with the right care.