Venus flytrap
dionaea muscipula
Also known as: ["Venus's-flysnap","Venus's-flytrap","Venus flytrap"]
Overview
A carnivorous plant native to subtropical wetlands on the East Coast of the United States, known for its snap traps that capture insects and arachnids.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Genus: | Dionaea |
| Botanical Name: | Dionaea muscipula |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor bog garden or container with proper drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, as it prefers high humidity but direct misting can cause leaf damage
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and sand/perlite for excellent drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: low
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few weeks during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on removing only dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily; adjust for seasonal intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to sunlight gradually; avoid intense midday sun to prevent scorching; move indoors during extreme weather.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; provide dappled shade in peak summer; use sheer curtains for indoor protection.
Watering
every 3–5 days, ensuring soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged
Use distilled or rainwater; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil
sphagnum peat moss with perlite or sand for excellent drainage
pH: Acidic, pH 3.5–5.0.
Use distilled water for soil; avoid regular potting soil; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
65–85°F (18–29°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) during dormancy.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; use a thermometer to monitor conditions.
Fertilizing
rarely, if ever, as it is a carnivorous plant that derives nutrients from prey
Feed only during active growth; use weak solutions; skip fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–80°F or 21–27°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not necessary but can aid rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth appears in 2–4 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; avoid direct sunlight; maintain humidity until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead traps or leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or decaying traps and leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead parts; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove old soil; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh carnivorous plant mix.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container; use fresh soil to prevent nutrient buildup.
Checklist
Use appropriate soil mix; handle roots gently; ensure proper drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; check soil moisture; ensure proper drainage; avoid tap water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution without pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to peat moss for aeration; avoid organic fertilizers.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration, slow growth, or traps failing to close properly.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, weakens traps, and may cause root damage below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat if necessary; avoid sudden temperature drops.
Hot Stress
Causes dehydration, leaf burn, and reduced trap functionality above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and ensure adequate watering during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use carnivorous plant fertilizer; dilute properly; apply to soil, not traps; avoid overfertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a quarter-strength carnivorous plant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid feeding traps.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe Venus flytrap poses minimal toxicity risk to cats. Ingestion may cause mild digestive disturbances due to the plant's carnivorous enzymes and physical structure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe Venus flytrap is not highly toxic to dogs, but ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's carnivorous enzymes and structural components.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus flytrap, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its carnivorous nature and the presence of digestive enzymes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I feed my Venus flytrap?
A: Feed it 1-2 insects per trap every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Venus flytraps survive indoors?
A: Yes, but they require bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Q: Why are the traps on my Venus flytrap turning black?
A: This can be due to overfeeding, improper watering, or dormancy.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Droseraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, ensuring soi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
