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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Venus Flytraps can be very rewarding to grow, but too often people run into problems and don’t know why. We have complied a list of frequently asked questions and common problems that should help answer most of your questions. Please use this information in conjunction with our culture instructions to help ensure that your new plant will thrive.

 

  1. Health and Quality: Venus flytraps require specific care and growing conditions, and those sold in retail stores may not have been properly cared for or grown in optimal conditions. This can result in weak or unhealthy plants that are more susceptible to disease and pests.
  2. Sustainability: Venus flytraps are native to a specific region in the southeastern United States and are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching. Purchasing them from a retailer that may not have ethically sourced or sustainably grown them can contribute to these problems.
  3. Misuse: Venus flytraps are often purchased as novelties or curiosities, but they are living plants that require careful attention and care. Many people do not realize the specific growing conditions and care that Venus flytraps require and may inadvertently harm or kill the plants.
Therefore, it is generally recommended to purchase Venus flytraps from reputable nurseries or specialized online retailers that grow them in optimal conditions and provide guidance on how to care for them properly as well as a proper return policy to protect customers.
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).
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: 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 Venus Flytrap's natural predators include a variety of insects and spiders, such as ants, beetles, and spiders. However, because the Venus Flytrap is a carnivorous plant, it typically feeds on these types of insects rather than being preyed upon by them. In their natural habitat, the primary threats to Venus Flytraps come from habitat destruction, illegal collection, and poaching. Additionally, climate change and altered weather patterns can also negatively impact their survival.
A: It is generally recommended to remove the flowers from Venus flytraps to help conserve the plant's energy and prevent it from diverting resources away from the trap leaves. When a Venus flytrap produces flowers, it is diverting energy and resources away from producing new traps and capturing prey. In the wild, Venus flytraps only produce flowers when conditions are favorable, such as when they have ample access to water and nutrients. However, in cultivation, Venus flytraps may produce flowers more frequently due to the favorable growing conditions provided by their owners. If you want to prioritize the growth and health of your Venus flytrap, it is best to remove the flowers as soon as they appear. This will allow the plant to focus on producing new traps and capturing prey, which will help it grow and thrive. If you do decide to let the flowers remain, be aware that the plant may become weaker and produce fewer traps over time.
Venus Flytraps are fascinating and unique plants that require specific care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to take care of a Venus Flytrap: Soil: Venus Flytraps require a soil mixture that is low in nutrients and holds moisture well. A mixture of peat moss and sand in equal parts is ideal. Water: Venus Flytraps require a moist environment, but they don't like to be sitting in water. Water your Venus Flytrap with distilled water or rainwater, as tap water can contain minerals that are harmful to the plant. Humidity: Venus Flytraps thrive in high humidity, so it's a good idea to place a tray of water near the plant to increase the humidity. You can also mist the plant regularly. Light: Venus Flytraps require bright, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day. A south-facing window is an ideal spot for a Venus Flytrap. Feeding: Venus Flytraps are carnivorous plants that capture insects with their traps. While they can survive without being fed insects, it's a good idea to feed them a few insects once a month. You can feed them small insects like flies or spiders, or you can purchase freeze-dried insects specifically made for Venus Flytraps. Dormancy: Venus Flytraps require a period of dormancy in the winter months. During this time, the plant will stop growing and may lose some of its leaves. Keep the plant in a cool, bright location and reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks until the plant begins to grow again in the spring. With proper care, a Venus Flytrap can be a fascinating and rewarding plant to care for.
While Venus Flytraps are carnivorous plants that can capture and digest insects, they are not harmful to humans. Their traps are designed to capture small insects and will not cause any harm to humans. The trap may close on your finger if you touch it, but it will not cause any pain or injury. In fact, handling the traps too much or too roughly can damage the plant and cause it to lose its ability to catch insects. However, it's important to note that Venus Flytraps are sensitive plants that require specific care to thrive. If the plant is not getting the right conditions, it may become stressed and could eventually die. So while there's no harm in being "bitten" by a Venus Flytrap, it's important to handle the plant with care and give it the proper care it needs to stay healthy.
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.
The length of time a fly stays in a Venus Flytrap depends on several factors, including the size of the fly and the strength of the trap. When a fly enters the trap, it triggers tiny hairs on the inner surface of the trap, causing it to snap shut. The trap then begins to secrete digestive enzymes that break down the insect's body for the plant to absorb the nutrients. The digestion process can take several days to a week, depending on the size of the insect and the strength of the trap. Smaller insects like fruit flies may be completely digested within a few days, while larger insects like houseflies may take longer. Once the plant has absorbed all the nutrients it can from the insect, it will release the trap and it will open up again, ready to catch its next prey. It's worth noting that Venus Flytraps don't need to catch insects to survive, but they do benefit from the additional nutrients that they provide. So while they can be fascinating to watch, 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.
Venus Flytraps can live for several years with proper care, but their lifespan can vary depending on their growing conditions and other factors. In their native habitat, Venus Flytraps can live for up to 20 years, but in cultivation, they may have a shorter lifespan. With proper care, a Venus Flytrap can live for several years, and some growers have reported their plants living for 10 years or more. However, if a Venus Flytrap is not given the right growing conditions or is not properly cared for, it may struggle and could eventually die. For example, if the plant doesn't get enough sunlight or is watered with the wrong type of water, it may become stressed and could eventually die. In general, Venus Flytraps are not considered long-lived plants, but they can live for several years and can be fascinating and rewarding to grow and care for during that time.
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.
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.
A: Venus Flytraps don't need to eat insects to survive, but they do benefit from the additional nutrients that they provide. The frequency with which a Venus Flytrap needs to eat depends on several factors, including the size and age of the plant, the strength of the traps, and the growing conditions. In general, Venus Flytraps can go for several weeks or even months between feedings. If you're providing your Venus Flytrap with the right growing conditions (such as a sunny spot with well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged), it should be able to photosynthesize and produce its own food through photosynthesis. If you do choose to feed your Venus Flytrap insects, it's best to do so sparingly and only when the plant's traps are actively growing and producing new leaves. Overfeeding can cause the traps to become weakened and damaged, and can also lead to the accumulation of undigested material in the traps, which can harm the plant. In general, it's best to let your Venus Flytrap catch insects on its own and supplement its diet with occasional feedings if desired. A healthy Venus Flytrap can thrive without regular feedings, as long as it's given the right growing conditions.
A: Yes, it is possible to feed a Venus Flytrap too much food. While Venus Flytraps do benefit from the nutrients provided by insects, overfeeding can actually be harmful to the plant. If a Venus Flytrap is fed too frequently or with insects that are too large, it can put a strain on the plant's resources and weaken the traps. Overfeeding can also cause the accumulation of undigested material in the traps, which can lead to rot and other problems. In general, it's best to let your Venus Flytrap catch insects on its own and supplement its diet with occasional feedings if desired. A healthy Venus Flytrap can thrive without regular feedings, as long as it's given the right growing conditions. If you do choose to feed your Venus Flytrap, it's important to select insects that are small enough to fit inside the traps and to feed the plant only once every few weeks or as needed. Avoid overfeeding and monitor the plant's traps to ensure that they remain healthy and strong. If you notice any signs of damage or stress, such as wilting or browning leaves, it's best to reduce or stop feedings and adjust the plant's growing conditions as needed.
A: Always remove any plastic dome from the plant. You may have to do this gradually over a period of a few days as the plant will be used to higher humidity. Lift the cup more and more each day until it is completely off after a week or so. Some nurseries will put these little plastic cups over the plants to help keep them from drying out while sitting on a store shelf but the plant will grow much stronger without it. No experienced carnivorous plant grower will grow their plants this way. This can also be used as a warning sign when shopping for fly traps. Plants under domes will tend to be softer, weaker and more prone to pests and disease.
Venus Fly Traps grow out in full sun conditions in nature and require the same light levels in cultivation. If sunlight is not available, bright fluorescent light can be provided as a substitute. A minimum of 40 watts is needed and a day length no less than 14 hours should be given for optimum growth.
The only type of soil you should use is peat or sphagnum moss. Never use potting soil or garden soil as these do not provide the right acidic conditions the plants need.
Always use either rain water or distilled water. If your tap water is very low in minerals you might be able to use it after letting it sit in an open container for a few days. Water that contains a lot of minerals and chemicals can quickly kill the plant.
Venus Flytraps are not tropical plants and actually like good air circulation. A humidity level of about 40%-70% is good.
Any small, soft-bodied insect can be used for food. Small crickets, spiders and flies will work well. If the food item is too large, it will rot before the plant can finish digesting it and the trap will turn black.
As long as the plant is in full growth and has several traps open you can feed the plant. Never feed more than half the number of traps open at any one time. If the traps are not closing properly, remove the food item and check the growing conditions to be sure everything is being done correctly. Wait a few days and then try feeding again. It can take a week or so for a trap to completely ‘reset’ after digesting a meal.
NO! Never feed any type of meat to your fly trap. It will cause the trap to rot and waste the plant’s energy.
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.
My Venus Fly Trap leaves are just laying on the top of the soil and they won’t stand up. What’s wrong? The plant is probably in its Spring or Fall growth phase. During this time the plant makes leaves that lie flat against the ground and the traps are somewhat smaller. As the days get longer the new summer leaves will emerge. These are longer, stand more upright and have bigger traps.
Insufficient light is probably the cause. Venus Flytraps grow in full sun in nature and need very bright light when grown indoors. See the info about lighting in our Articles section.
Insufficient light is probably the cause. See the info about lighting in our Articles section. Also, the humidity could be too high. Venus Flytraps do not like tropical conditions and need good air circulation. If there is a dome over the plant take it off!
Slow closing traps usually means that the plant is too cold. Since this is a growth process, the warmer the plant, the quicker it will close. Try raising the temperature to around 80 degrees and see how the plant reacts. If it is still not closing properly the traps may not be fully reset from a previous closing or the light may not be bright enough.
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.
This is normal. As the plant grows, older leaves are replaced with new ones so the plant cuts off energy to the old ones causing them to turn black. Simply trim them off and remove them.
This can be caused by a few different things. It can happen if the humidity is too low, causing the leaves to dry out. Humidity should be kept between 40%-70%. It can also happen if minerals are building up in the soil. Either repot the plant or flush the soil several times with rain or distilled water.