|
Venus Flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
 6-year old Flytraps grown exclusively outside. (August 2004)
|
The Venus Flytrap is the most popular carnivorous plant, and definitely the most readily available of all carnivorous plants.
There are several stories of how the Venus Flytrap got its name. I will share with you one that is most suitable for the general public.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite (known as Venus to the Romans) arose from the sea in a large clamshell. Because the traps of a Flytrap resemble clamshells, and they are found growing along the coastal range of North Carolina, people in the region thought it cute to name it Venus Flytrap.
|
In cultivation, there are several varieties of the Venus Flytrap. The typical form has long, thin teeth along the edge of the trap. A common variety that is found in many nurseries is the Dente Flytrap, which has shorter and more pronounced teeth.
  
Typical, Dente and Red Dragon Flytraps
A variety that is gradually becoming available to specialty nurseries is the Red Dragon Flytrap, which turns completely red when grown in full sun.
Other specialty varieties that are slowly making their way into the market are the Royal Red, Red Piranha, Paradise, Giant and Sawtooth.
As adult plants, Venus Flytraps grow to 6 inches in diameter with traps measuring up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) at the most. A variety that is very popular among young growers is Big Mouth. Its traps have been reported to get up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. Although genetics play a role, the growth of large traps is heavily dependant on having optimal growing conditions.
In June and July, Venus Flytraps produce small white flowers that readily self-pollinate. In late August and throughout September, you can collect seeds once the entire stalk turns completely black and dries up.
Range
You will find Venus Flytraps in bogs along the coastal region of North Carolina. This is the only place in the world where Venus Flytraps can be seen in the wild.
Winter Hardiness: Zone 8
Venus Flytraps are much hardier than they appear. When dormant, they and can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F (-7°C) for brief periods of time. I have many Flytraps in my personal collection that have been grown exclusively outdoors since 1997. Over the years, they have even survived through two week-long ice storms. High temperatures were about 19°F. The following spring, they emerged from dormancy with vigor.
Where to Grow
Venus Flytraps are best grown outdoors as container or potted plants. They are excellent for the sunny deck or patio. You may also grow them in a pond or fountain. Because of their specific soil requirement, avoid planting them directly in the ground unless you have created a specific type of bog garden.
Sunlight
During the growing season, grow your Venus Flytraps outside in full sun, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight for vigorous growth. If you have an all red variety, such as a Red Dragon, you will need to give your Flytrap lots of sun to maintain its deep red color. Otherwise, they will turn green in lower light conditions.
Your plant will also look healthy with 4-6 hours of direct sun, but make sure it is getting lots of ambient light for the rest of the day.
For an explanation of why Venus Flytraps should grow in full-sun, read the special report:
Top 5 Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants
Water
Keep the pot in small amounts of standing water to prevent the soil from drying out. However, always keep the water level below the bulb. Ideally, the water level should be 3 inches (8 cm) or more below the soil surface, regardless of the type of pot your plant is in. To avoid drowning the bulb, use a large pot whenever possible.
Of the three most commonly available Flytraps on the market (Typical, Dente, and Red Dragon), the Red Dragon is the least tolerant of hard water (over 100 ppm).
We are not sure why, but when we experimented with growing these three varieties of Flytraps in hard water (125 ppm), the Red Dragon showed considerable signs of distress and deterioration within a few of months, while the Typical and Dente forms remained healthy and robust.
So, when growing Red Dragons, use mineral-free water for best results. Other varieties of Flytraps would also benefit from mineral-free water, but not to the same degree as Red Dragons.
Soil
Venus Flytraps require nutrient-free soil that provides good drainage. Use a standard soil mixture of 1 part peat moss and 1 parts perlite. Because Venus Flytraps grow best in well drained soil, you can also use 1 part peat moss and 2 parts perlite.
A popular growing medium among those goofy mini-terrariums you find for sale at the hardware store is dried sphagnum moss (also known as long-fiber sphagnum moss). Although it provides an acidic environment that Venus Flytraps love, it holds too much water, causing Flytrap roots to rot.
Of all the growing mediums we have experimented with, dried sphagnum moss caused more Venus Flytraps to die than any other soil mix. If you plant this as a growing medium, repot your plant into 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite immediately.
Also never use potting soil or fertilizer. Potting soil and fertilizer will kill your Venus Flytraps.
Winter Care
As winter approaches, Venus Flytraps will slow down in growth and many of its leaves will turn black. This is perfectly normal because Venus Flytraps require 3-4 months of winter dormancy, which is triggered by cold temperatures (below 50°F) and lower light conditions.
Even while dormant, your plants will still need to sit in a small amount of standing water to prevent their soil from drying out.
Don't worry about brief temperature dips between 20° and 32°F (-7° and 0°C). While dormant, your plants can certainly tolerate it for up to a week at a time with minimal winter protection.
However, when growing plants in containers, you will need to protect them when the temperature falls below 20°F (-7°C) or whenever there is dry freezing wind. Both types of winter conditions can certainly cause serious frost burn in container plants.
To prevent frost burn, cover them with black plastic or a tarp, or move them into an unheated garage or shed.
As soon as the freeze is over and the temperature is above 35°F (2° C), uncover your plants and allow them to continue their dormancy outdoors.
If you live an area where the temperature routinely goes below 32°F (0°C) for more than a week at a time, such as in zones 7 or less, you will need to winterize your container plants. Container plants can certainly tolerate brief freezes. But, with prolonged freezes, your plants are at risk for frost burn.
If you live in zones 3-5 or in a region where the temperature routinely goes below 20°F, especially for more than 2 weeks at a time, please read the Severe Cold Region page.. You will find additional information on how to care for your plants during the winter months.
Spring Care
When the temperature slowly creeps up and daylight hours increase, your plants will gradually come out of dormancy. Clip off all leaves from the previous year to make way for flower buds and new leaf growth. Look for white flowers in June.
Repotting
For robust Venus Flytraps, repot them every year. Change the soil, and if necessary, put them in a larger pot. Changing the soil improves root aeration and strengthens the health of your plants.
Repotting is best done in March and April, especially if you want really robust plants in time for summer. In general, however, you can repot your plants at any time of the year. If you choose to repot at time other than early spring, make sure you keep the roots intact.
When changing pots, go for a tall one that will easily accommodate the bulb and its long root system. Venus Flytraps tend to grow faster and bigger when their roots have room to grow. Large pots will also give your plants added protection during the winter.
Indoor Care
Because Venus Flytraps require full sun during the growing season and cold temperatures for winter dormancy, they do not grow well indoors. They are best grown outdoors.
The ultimate secret to growing beautiful Venus Flytraps is to grow them in full sun and make sure they go dormant during the winter.
Check Availability | View Shopping Cart | Back to Previous Page
|
|
|
