Dionaea muscipula 'Venus Flytrap'

Light, Positioning, and Environment

The Dionaea muscipula 'Venus Flytrap' is one of the most fascinating and popular carnivorous plants, native to the subtropical wetlands of the United States. Grown indoors, it makes a striking, interactive houseplant that delights both children and adults. To thrive, however, it must be grown in conditions that closely mimic its natural environment.

• Light Requirements: Requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 4–6 hours per day. A sunny south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Insufficient light can result in weak, floppy growth and a lack of trap colour.

• Artificial Lighting: In low-light environments, grow lights (full-spectrum LEDs) can supplement natural light, providing the necessary intensity to keep the plant healthy.

• Temperature: Prefers warm indoor temperatures between 18°C and 30°C during the growing season. It can tolerate slightly cooler indoor temperatures in winter dormancy.

• Humidity: Performs best in moderate to high humidity, though it can adapt to typical indoor conditions if kept well-watered.

• Air Circulation: Ensure good airflow around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal problems, but avoid cold drafts or dry radiators nearby.

• Pot Placement: Best grown in small pots or terrariums that retain humidity but still allow for air exchange.

Watering, Feeding, and Growing Medium

Proper watering and feeding are critical for the health of Venus Flytraps. Because they evolved in nutrient-poor, acidic soils, they rely on insects for nourishment and have very specific watering needs.

• Water Type: Always use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water usually contains minerals that will harm or kill the plant over time.

• Watering Routine: Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Use the tray method: place the pot in a shallow dish of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture from below. Never let it dry out completely.

• Soil Requirements: Must be planted in nutrient-poor, acidic soil. Use a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite or peat and sand. Avoid commercial composts or standard potting soil, which are too rich.

• Feeding: Do not fertilise. The Venus Flytrap obtains nutrients from catching insects. Feeding with fertiliser can burn the roots.

• Insect Feeding: If grown indoors without access to insects, you can feed it small live insects like flies, ants, or spiders. Only feed a trap once every 2–4 weeks.

• Trap Care: Each trap can close about 3–4 times before it dies back. Avoid triggering traps unnecessarily, as it uses energy the plant could use for growth.

• Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years in early spring, using fresh carnivorous plant soil. This keeps the plant healthy and avoids compacted soil.

Dormancy, Maintenance, and Long-Term Care

Although often misunderstood, dormancy is a natural and vital part of the Venus Flytrap’s life cycle. Caring for the plant year-round helps ensure it lives for many years.

• Dormancy Period: During autumn and winter (typically October to February), Venus Flytraps enter a dormant phase where growth slows or stops, and some traps die back. This is normal and necessary.

• Winter Care: Provide cooler temperatures around 5–10°C and reduce watering slightly. Keep the soil just moist. Bright light is still helpful, but growth will be minimal.

• Appearance in Dormancy: Traps may blacken and fall off. Remove dead leaves to prevent mould, but avoid over-trimming.

• Reawakening in Spring: In early spring, resume normal watering and light levels. New growth will appear from the centre.

• Common Issues:

  • Trap blackening is often natural aging or overfeeding.

  • Lack of trap colour may indicate insufficient light.

  • No trap movement can be due to cold, shock, or dormancy.

• Lifespan: With proper care, Venus Flytraps can live for 20 years or more.

Dionaea muscipula 'Venus Flytrap' is an extraordinary plant that rewards attentive care with fascinating behaviour and an unusual aesthetic. While not a typical houseplant, it is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on care and learning about plant biology. Perfect for windowsills, terrariums, or as an educational tool, it brings a living science experiment right into the home

• Size
  P12

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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