My Venus flytraps have suffered from mold issues in the past. After caring for them for multiple seasons, I have learned how to eliminate and prevent mold all together.

White fuzzy mold does not kill Venus flytraps. However, the mold does affect the plant’s growth and can potentially expand to surrounding plants. Adjusting moisture levels and providing strong lighting can eliminate mold issues.

Even though white mold does not kill Venus flytraps, other types of mold do. And guess what? They all develop under very similar conditions.

Mold Issues in Venus Flytrap

The presence of mold in your plant has many downsides. It is unattractive, it can continue to spread to other plants, and it is a clear sign of excessive moisture (which can be very harmful to your plant). White mold is a type of fungus that consumes dead matter. The mold won’t kill your plant directly, but the conditions where the mold developed can affect your plant significantly.

Venus flytraps benefit from high humidity environments. They thrive in humid soil. But, the presence of white mold is a clear sign of excessive humidity. The plant is likely to be overwatered. To resolve this issue, you must adjust your watering technique and increase sunlight exposure. 

Venus flytraps need to be watered often, but they do not require excessive watering (here is a guide on watering that can help you use the optimal amount) (here is a guide on watering that can help you use the optimal amount). These plants like to live in humid soil. However, they do not thrive in damped conditions. Avoid overwatering by never flooding the ground. Instead, water until the soil is moist. Then, wait to water again until the soil is less humid.

Exposure to bright direct sunlight can also help reduce the moisture level in the environment. 

How to Eliminate Mold from the Soil

There are a few different options to remove mold from Venus flytrap soil:

• Manual removal
• Bright light exposure
• Repotting

First, attempt to remove the white mold by manually removing the white fuzz from the soil. You can remove the upper layer of the soil and refill the pot with fresh soil. After removing the mold, you must follow the instructions in the next section to prevent it from growing once again. 

You can also try placing your plant under a bright light for a few days or weeks. For example, bright direct sunlight will lower the moisture level and kill the mold. The extra lighting you provide will benefit the plant as long as the temperature is not excessive. Avoid placing your plant under direct sunlight if the temperature exceeds 95 F (35 C).

Finally, you can repot your Venus flytrap for more extreme situations and set it in brand new soil. Repotting the plant can weaken it, but it will recover in a couple of weeks. Since repotting Venus flytraps without harming them can be challenging, I made an article covering repotting tips and considerations. Make sure to check it out.

When you repot a Venus flytrap due to mold issues, you must clean the container thoroughly and employ only fresh soil. Also, you can utilize sulfur-based fungicide to secure that the mold won’t reappear.

Regardless of what method you employ to eliminate the mold from your Venus flytrap, you must follow the mold prevention instructions in the next section. Removing the mold won’t solve your problem. Fixing your setup and providing a suitable growth environment for your plant will eradicate any related issues.

Prevent Mold in Venus Flytraps

Now, it is time to learn how to prevent any mold issues. These instructions will help you avoid fungus, which can lead to root rot and other problems.

Master the Watering Process

When watering a Venus flytrap, always monitor the moisture level in the soil. After watering the plant, palpate the ground. The soil should be humid but not soaking wet.

An excellent method to avoid overwatering your plant is employing a water tray for watering. In this method, you water the plant from the bottom by placing the plant pot in a tray and adding water to the tray (not to the plant). The water in the tray causes a humid yet not flooded environment. For best results, only fill the water tray with 1 inch of water. And wait until the tray has just dried up before refilling.

Schedule a Yearly Repotting

Repotting Venus flytraps every year helps prevent rotting and fungus issues. As time goes by, the soil in your plant’s pot gets compressed. Even though Venus flytraps can continue to grow in the same soil for years (they are very resilient plants!), it is not optimal. Repotting your plant once a year prevents soil compression and stimulated growth. As a result, water will continue to flow, and the plant won’t sit in standing water for long periods.

Choose Soil with Drainage

For the soil, employ a mixture of moss with a draining agent. For example, I usually use a 1:1 mix of peat moss and perlite. You can also opt for a combination of sphagnum moss and sand. Besides the moss portion, always employ sand or perlite. These elements break up the soil, encourage water drainage, increase aeration, and prevent soil compresion.

If you are unfamiliar with the soil requirements or are just looking for recipes, I recommend reading this article. It covers all you need to know about Venus flytrap soil.

Avoid Sporadic Misting

Venus flytraps thrive in humid environments. However, they can adapt to relatively dry climates. If you live in an arid environment, you can consider misting your plant. But you must do it consistently. Consider using an automatic mister to increase the humidity in the environment continuously. Avoid using manual misters to spray your plant sporadically.

Casually misting your plant won’t provide much of a benefit. Instead, it can cause excessive moisture in the soil surface. And this excess of humidity can lead to mold.

Adjust Watering During Dormancy

In the winter months, Venus flytraps undergo a dormancy process. The resting period is long (2-3 months) but necessary. During dormancy, Venus flytraps stop growing. As a result, they do not require as much exposure to light. Also, they reduce their water consumption. When Venus flytraps are dormant, you must adjust the amount of water you provide.

Employ Bright Sunlight/ Light

Exposure to bright artificial or natural light is almost always the answer for Venus flytraps. Regardless of any mold issues. You must always provide adequate light exposure. Optimally, Venus flytraps should receive 12 hours of light; however, they can live healthy with at least 6 hours of sunlight.

Sunlight is more effective in promoting growth and eliminating any mold issues due to its intensity. If possible, consider growing your plant outdoors. It is possible to grow Venus flytraps indoors under artificial light, but it is more challenging.

Final Thoughts

White mold is not a plant killer. There is no need to be excessively alarmed after spotting white mold in a Venus flytrap. Still, if your plant has mold, it is best to eliminate it. The lack of white mold is not a guarantee that the growing conditions are optimal. However, the presence of white mold is a sign of poor growing conditions.

I hope you found the tips in this article useful. Growing Venus flytraps can be a challenge. Mold is just one of the issues that can arise. To ensure you are successful at growing Venus flytraps, I encourage you to read this article on Venus flytrap Care. It is a complete guide on growing these remarkable plants.

I got alarmed when I noticed green algae growing in my Venus flytrap. I was concerned about the health of my plant. Luckily after some research and changes in my setup, I got great results.

Green algae can grow in Venus flytrap plants. Algae is not harmful to the plant but it can be a sign of poor growing conditions, such as excessive moisture and lack of appropriate light exposure.

This article will teach you exactly how to eliminate and prevent algae in your Venus flytrap.

Is Algae Harmful for Venus Flytraps?

In the wild, Venus flytraps grow in very humid, bog-like conditions. They require constant watering and exposure to lots of sunlight to be healthy. Due to their environmental requirements, it is common for some Venus flytrap owners to get algae on their plant. Algae grow where there are water and light, and venus flytraps grow in exactly that environment too.

The green algae growing in Venus flytraps usually lives in the water tray and the soil. Regardless, algae are harmless for the plant. Algae do not consume organic material; instead, it consumes wastes and produces food through photosynthesis.

Even though algae can’t harm Venus flytraps or other carnivorous plants directly, it can be a sign of poor growing conditions. Do not get too concerned with algae, but make sure to review the later section to verify your plant’s setup. We will be checking for the following:

• Correct watering frequency
• Proper light exposure

The Venus flytrap in the picture is potted in pure sphagnum moss. The plant is healthy, but there is green alga growing in the tray and in the potting media.

Algae Removal Options for Venus Flytraps

Even though Algae can’t kill your plant, most people are eager to remove it due to aesthetics. The potting media can start to look green and slimy and have a very unappealing look.

The most straightforward method to remove the algae is to repot the plant. However, repotting can weaken your plant for several weeks and can be avoided if it is not required. Before choosing the repotting option, you can try two things:

1. Empty the water tray of your plant and clean it.
2. Place your plant under strong sunlight.

Sometimes the algae start to appear in the plant’s water tray. When the algae are just starting to grow, removing it can be easy. Empty the water tray and wash it thoroughly. Then, use distilled water (or reverse osmosis or rainwater) to refill it. Observe the water in the next few days to verify it is gone. If it is still there, continue to the next strategy: strong sunlight.

Strong direct sunlight can eliminate algae. Venus flytraps benefit greatly from proper exposure to sunlight, exposing the plant to extra light will be beneficial to eliminate algae and to promote growth. Place your plant outdoors under direct sunlight, preferably for more than six hours a day. After a couple of weeks, the algae should have reduced or disappeared. When placing your plant under direct sunlight, make sure the temperature is not above the recommended limits. Temperatures above 95 F (35 C) can be harmful to your plant.

If a combination of strong sunlight and cleaning the water tray is not enough, the last option is to repot. Here are the repotting instructions:

1. Gather fresh Venus flytrap soil and at least a few cups of pure water. Also, it helps to have a spray bottle filled with pure water.
2. Losen up the soil in the edges of the pot and remove the Venus flytrap. The Plant will be covered with dirt throughout the roots.
3. Clean the pot and water tray very well. You can reuse the same container, but it must be sparkly clean.
4. Use the water and the spray bottle to loosen up the soil attached to the plant’s roots. Carefully remove all of it. Be patient during this step and make sure to treat the rhizome (white bulb) carefully. After the soil is all out, rinse the root and the plant one more time.
5. Moisten the fresh soil with the pure water source. I personally always use distilled water.
6. Grab the soil and introduce it in the container until it is topped off.
7. Grab a slim tool like a pencil, a stick, or fingers to make a vertical hole in the pot. Then, you will introduce the roots in the hole, so make it deep enough. The roots of Venus flytraps are long.
8. Introduce the plant’s roots in the hole and push the soil together with your fingers until the plant is secure. The rhizome should be partially underground, while the growth points remain on the surface.
9. Water the soil after potting to set the dirt in the pot.
10. Follow the algae prevention instructions below to prevent any future algae issues.

The instructions are a summary of how to repot a Venus flytrap. However, there is more information about soil options and repotting tips that can help complete this process. I wrote an article on potting techniques, to sum up, all the necessary information. Make sure to read it!

Algae Prevention for Carnivorous Plants

Venus flytraps benefit from high moisture environments. They thrive in high humidity regions. As a result, they require above average watering levels. In this section, you will learn how to prevent excessive moisture that leads to algae growth.

There are three main consideration you can follow to prevent another algae episode:

1. Water thoroughly but avoid overwatering (and standing water)
2. Expose your plant to direct sunlight
3. Choose a soil with good drainage

Now, an explanation of each item:

1. Water Thoroughly but Avoid Overwatering (and Standing Water)

Watering Venus flytraps is essential for their survival. When carnivorous plants dry out, they suffer, and they can die very quickly. Water Venus flytraps often to keep the soil moist at all times, but not soaking wet.

If you use the water tray method, law the water in the tray to dry before filling and never fill the water tray with more than an inch of water.

Keep your Venus flytrap watered and happy, but avoid overwatering and standing water. You can perfect your watering technique by reading this article: Venus Flytrap Watering Process. The article details the watering process and helps you prevent mold and water issues.

2. Expose Your Plant to Direct Sunlight

Venus flytraps exhibit exemplary growth when grown outside. Grow your plant outdoors to prevent algae. Direct sunlight kills algae and prevents the growth of bacteria or microorganisms. As long as the temperature remains below 95 F (35 C), Venus flytraps will be able to handle the weather.

3. Choose a Soil With Good Drainage

Not all carnivorous plant soil is the same. Some soil options are more suitable to retain moisture while allowing for proper drainage. Since Venus flytraps live in very moist conditions, soil selection is important.

You can employ pure peat moss or sphagnum moss to grow Venus flytraps. However, pure moss media does not always drain properly. For best results, employ a mix of moss with perlite or sand. Both elements provide drainage and aeration. Suppose you are unfamiliar with the soil options. I have an article that describes all the soil considerations. It also provides recipes on how to make A grade carnivorous plant soil.

Algae vs Mold in Venus Flytraps

Algae is very different from mold, especially in the effects they produce in Venus flytraps.

The presence of algae is harmless for Venus flytraps. But, mold can cause many issues such as root rot. Soggy environments cause both algae and mold. However, mold does feed on organic matter and can attack the root system.

The 3 recommendations in the previous section are also recommendations to prevent mold, which can be harmful.

Final Thoughts

It easy to freak out any time there are changes on your Venus flytrap. At the end of the day, Venus flytraps are not the most conventional plants; they have specific requirements. Luckily algae is not a life-death situation. It is best not to have it, but you can live with it.

For more information on Venus flytrap care, make sure to download a free care sheet attached to this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide.

Science fiction movies and media show Venus flytraps as large and dangerous creatures. However, after learning about Venus flytraps, I had no concerns about buying one and growing it as a house plant.

Venus flytraps can eat human flesh. In the wild, they can capture and consume meat from small reptiles or rodents. However, due to their small size, Venus flytraps can’t eat a human.

The Venus flytrap has developed successful trapping mechanisms and a taste for meat. In this article, you will learn about their meat-eating habits.

Can a Venus Flytrap Eat a Human?

Venus flytraps are small plants. They grow out of tiny seeds and take several years to reach maturity. Once they reach maturity, they start producing flowers. Af the time, the traps of the plant reach an average length of 1 inch.

1-inch traps are effective against a variety of insects. But, they are not big enough to capture larger prey. On rare occasions, Venus flytraps can capture tiny frogs or even birds, but those situations are unlikely.

Due to their size, a Venus flytrap is not big enough to capture a human. Still, the plant can consume flesh. Venus flytraps can digest small pieces of human or other animal’s flesh. It won’t process it completely, but it will absorb the soft part of the tissue.

Venus flytraps capture their prey and use enzymes to break up most of their victim. They will employ the same method to digest flesh or any meat. However, employing anything other than insects or spiders to feed a Venus flytrap is not recommended.

Venus flytraps are designed to capture and consume bugs. Even though they can consume meat, they are unable to digest large pieces of meat. Experimenting with unconventional meals can harm the plant. Venus flytraps lose leaves when they are unable to digest what they have captured.

Do Venus Flytraps Bite?

Venus flytraps can’t capture a human, but can they cause any other type of harm?

Venus flytraps are not dangerous to humans. They are not poisonous, and they do not bite. Venus flytraps are safe houseplants.

Venus flytraps have filaments on the edge of their traps that sometimes can look like teeth. The cilia are not pointy. You can touch it safely without injuring yourself. Actually, if you touch it, you will notice they are soft to the touch.

A Venus flytrap can close after been triggered by a human. The video below shows a quick demonstration of what you should expect.

Sticking your finger in a Venus flytrap is safe for humans. You can stick your pinky and wiggle it around. The trap will close, but the plant is not strong enough to keep you there. You will feel pressure, which is amazing, considering a plant is literary grabbing you, but totally inoffensive.

Technically, Venus flytraps do not bite. The leaves of the plant close due to stimuli. They close to capture potential prey. But they do not chew the insect. Instead, they trap it and digest it with enzymes.

You can leave your finger inside a Venus flytrap for a long time before observing any effects. These plants take several days and sometimes weeks to digest a tiny insect. The enzymes Venus flytraps employ are appropriate but very weak to break into human flesh.

Venus Flytrap vs Human: Endangered Status

Venus flytraps are sometimes portrayed as monsters. But, in reality, they are harmless to us. The only ones that should worry about their dangers are insects, which are their primary prey.

Even though humans are safe from Venus flytraps, Venus flytraps are not always safe from humans. Venus flytraps are an endangered species. They are protected, but unfortunately, their wild population continues to decrease.

Changes in the environment have significantly affected Venus flytraps. These plants are native to a particular area in the United States. They only grow naturally in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Their natural habitat has been affected by urbanization and the expansion of agricultural areas. Also, illegal poaching is affecting the preservation of this species.

Poaching occurs when people extract Venus flytraps from the wild to sell them or to own them. Due to the popularity of Venus flytraps, many opt for poaching Venus flytraps rather than growing them. Poaching has significantly affected the wellbeing of the species.

A vast number of Venus flytrap growers and nurseries responsibly grow these plants without ever harming their habitat or poaching plants. But, still, illegal poachers continue to extract Venus flytraps from the wild.

Besides their endangered status, Venus flytraps have a far higher chance of being hurt by humans than the other way around. It is a challenge to keep Venus flytraps alive at home. They require a particular setup with carnivorous plant soil, plenty of lighting, and pure water (among other things). Some novice growers lose their first plants due to inexperience. It is very easy to commit some basic mistakes and kill a Venus flytrap after just a few weeks.

If you are interested in growing Venus flytraps, make sure to do some extensive research beforehand. Or, you can read this article on Venus flytrap care. It covers all you need to know to keep Venus flytraps alive. Also, it includes a free care sheet you can download as a pdf.

What Would Happen if You Were Trapped in a Venus Flytrap

This section is a fun explanation of happens inside of the leaves of a Venus flytrap. If humans were small enough to fit in the traps or if Venus flytraps were huge, then we could be potential victims of a Venus flytrap.

Venus flytraps are plants. They do not have a brain; they respond to electrical stimuli. Each of the leaves of a Venus flytrap has a trap. The trap is made up of two lobes. Inside each of the lobes, there are three thin filaments arranged in a triangular pattern.

The lobes of a Venus flytrap close when something has come in contact with the trigger hairs twice within a few seconds. When the trap is triggered, it closes. At this stage, victims try to escape. A human could try to push the leaves apart or break the leaves. In the real world, some insects escape from Venus flytraps. Beetles are sometimes big enough to open up the traps. Slugs or caterpillars can attempt to eat their way out before it is too late.

There are two main ways to escape: breaking the leaf or opening up the lobes by force. The second one would be a more viable option for humans, as we do not have teeth made for chewing leaves.

After the victim is trapped inside the lobes, the plant waits for further stimuli to ensure it caught live prey. Staying immobile for a few minutes is enough to trick the plant into opening back up. But, unfortunately, for insects, most victims crawl around to try to escape and cause further stimuli.

When the plant receives further stimuli, it starts producing digestive juices. But, would it be a slow death?

Not really…

The plant produces enzymes which fill up the closed trap. The enzymes are weak; they do not dissolve the victim immediately. The prey ends up drowning. It would be a scary death to die inside a Venus flytrap, but it won’t be slow. The victim dies downing as the enzymes start causing major effects. The enzymes will take a few days or even weeks to digest the victim.

Since the enzymes are weak, the plant won’t digest a whole insect or a human. The high protein content in human meat would be hard to digest. Also, the bones would be left behind as leftovers.

In real life, the Venus flytrap is unable to consume most bugs completely. When the leaf opens back up, they leave the exoskeleton behind.

The picture below shows the remains of a mealworm I fed to my plant. The leftovers are not much. They are dried up.

If Venus flytraps were large creatures, they would be scary. Dying inside a Venus flytrap is definitely terrifying, but luckily, they are small plants. Maybe you would even consider owning one as a pet!

Not all Venus flytraps are the same; some have different shapes and colors. When I was building my carnivorous plants’ collection, I did some in-depth research about Venus flytrap color varieties. I will share what I learned in this article.

Venus flytraps commonly exhibit green leaves with burgundy coloring inside the traps. Some Venus flytrap cultivars exhibit different red and green combinations. Cultivars do not grow in the wild, but they can be purchased from nurseries.

In this article, you will learn about the different color varieties of Venus flytraps. Explore all the possibilities before buying a plant.

What Color Are Venus Flytraps?

There is only one species of Venus flytrap or Dionaea Muscipula. And they are only native to a very small region in the United States. They grow naturally in South Carolina and North Carolina.

In the wild, Venus flytraps exhibit bright green and red colors. The leaves are green, and the inside of the traps is red or burgundy. Not all plants exhibit the same brightness in color; the colors can vary depending on the variety.

For example, some of the traps in the photo below exhibit red coloring in the exterior part of the traps.

Besides the standard colors, there are a couple of color varieties. These varieties are not available in the wild. They are cultivars.

What is a cultivar? A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a particular plant (in this case, Venus flytraps). Cultivated Varieties do not grow in the wild; humans develop them.

The following are some interesting color varieties:

• Akai Ryu Red Dragon: All red Venus flytrap
• Dionaea Green Dragon: Red Venus flytrap with green borders in the trap
• Justina Davis: All green Venus flytrap

Red Dragon (Akai Ryu)

Ron Gagliardo developed this cultivar at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Akai Ryu is a completely red Venus flytrap. This variety exhibits deep burgundy color in its leaves and inside the traps.

It is normal for this plant to exhibit a few specs of green coloring. An increase in green usually indicates a lack of light exposure.

There is a similar cultivar to the Red Dragon, the Dionaea Red piranha. It is a clone hybrid between the Red Dragon and the Dionaea “Dente.” The clone characterizes by short triangular teeth and burgundy colors.

I wrote a whole article on the Akai Ryu. If you are interested in this unique variety, make sure to read the article with its care and shopping tips.

Dionaea Green Dragon

This variation of Venus flytrap is somehow similar to the Akai Ryu, but the color scheme changes slightly. The Green dragon is almost entirely red. But, the edges of the traps characterize by having a green border next to the cilia.

Dionaea “Justina Davis”

Many Venus flytrap varieties focus on increasing the ratio of red to green colors. The Justina Davis variety is fully green. There is no red.

This variety is fully green. These plants can never gain the red coloring inside the trap. The Justina Davis Venus flytrap is not the only all-green Venus flytrap. For example, the Dionaea “Gremlin” is a fully-green Venus flytrap clone.

Other Venus Flytrap Cultivars

Not all cultivars focus on developing different color combinations or patterns. For example, some Venus flytrap varieties exhibit larger traps. I own a B-52 Giant Venus flytrap. The traps of such variety reach a size of 1.5 inches, which is well over the 1-inch standard.

All cultivars are the same species, but with some slight variation. They do not require any special care, only the standard care considerations.

Where to Buy Venus Flytrap Cultivars?

Standard Venus flytraps are available in a variety of stores. Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes sell them during the spring and summer. Some specialized nurseries carry Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants. Also, online stores are a suitable option. Several online stores sell Venus flytraps through Etsy and Amazon.

It is unlikely that you will find unique cultivars in general garden stores. For unique Venus flytrap varieties, consider contacting your local nursery or browsing online. Make sure to specify the cultivar you are looking for and its characteristics.

The list below includes a few shops that sell different varieties of Venus flytrap. Visit their website to check availability and pricing.

• predatoryplants.com
• carnivorousplantnursery.com
• californiacarnivores.com
• petflytrap.com
• flytrapcare.com/store/

Should My Venus Flytrap Be Red?

Not all Venus flytraps have the same colors, but the vast majority exhibit a combination of green and red.

Some cultivars, like the Green Dragon, characterize by completely green Venus flytraps. Those varieties won’t exhibit any red at all.

Most Venus flytraps exhibit green leaves and red inside their traps. Some plants lose red coloring due to a lack of proper lighting. Bright red traps are usually an indication of good health.

A Venus flytrap loses all or most of its red color when it does not have enough access to light, and it is struggling to produce enough nutrients through photosynthesis.

You can encourage the production of bright red leaves by placing your Venus flytrap under bright light. Venus flytraps thrive in sunny areas. Optimally, they should receive 10-12 hours of sunlight. But, they can be healthy with at least 6 hours of sunlight. The light source can be the sun or artificial light.

You can learn more about the lighting requirement here: How do Venus flytraps turn red?. The article guides you through the process of producing healthy traps with bright red colors.

Are There Blue Venus Flytraps?

You might have seen some ads or pictures that show bright blue or purple Venus flytraps. Vendors claim to sell blue Venus flytrap plants and seeds.

Blue Venus flytraps do not exist. A series of scammers offer these false novelty products, but blue Venus flytraps are not real. Only red and green combinations are available.

Do not attempt to buy blue Venus flytraps; they are a scam. I haven’t tried buying them, but people within the community have bought the seeds or the plants. In all cases, the sellers were fake. They sent seeds from other plants and just standard Venus flytrap.

Are Yellow and Black Leaves Normal in Venus Flytraps?

Venus flytraps grow very quickly. They produce new leaves often, as old ones wither.

Black leaves in a Venus flytrap are normal. When a leaf withers, it dries up and turns completely black. Then, the leaf will start to decompose. It can be trimmed off or left there without any health risks.

It is common to observe black leaves in a Venus flytrap. Those leaves are dead, and they serve nor purpose. However, black leaves on their own are not a sign of poor growing conditions. The only time when the owner should get concerned if the plant is suddenly losing leaves a lot faster than it is producing them.

Yellow or brown leaves are also common in Venus flytraps. However, these colors are usually an indication of poor growing conditions. Yellow leaves sometimes occur when employing the incorrect water source. Water with minerals and other nutrients can cause mineral burns and cause yellow leaves. Venus flytraps require nutrient-free mineral-free water, such as:

• Distilled water
• Reverse osmosis water
• Rainwater

A single yellow leaf does not determine the overall health of the plant. But, if multiple ones start to appear, it is time to assess the plant’s health. You can avoid care mistakes by reviewing this Venus Flytrap Care Sheet (you can download it from the article).

Final Thoughts

The different varieties of Venus flytraps allow you to experiment and buy unique plants. It is important to be aware of the colors available, as many online scammers claim to sell Venus flytraps of crazy colors such as blue or purple.

Selecting a Venus flytrap is a fun process. And once you own one, it is time to learn about their care and ensure they remain healthy. Color changes, for example, can indicate poor or optimal growing conditions. I made an article that discusses the meanings of different color changes: Why is My Venus Flytrap Changing Color. It explains all the color changes you might encounter while growing Venus flytraps.

I feed my Venus flytraps frequently to supplement their nutrition. As a beginner, I struggled to find appropriate food sources. I knew Venus flytraps ate live flies and other insects, but what about dead bugs?

Venus flytraps can consume dead flies; flies are a good source of nutrients. However, the plant won’t start digesting a dead insect automatically. They must receive further stimuli to trick the plant into digesting a dead bug.

Dead flies are a good food option for Venus flytrap. But, feeding the plant dead insects requires some extra steps. In this article, you will learn all the feeding steps and some tricks.

Can Venus Flytrap Eat Dead Flies?

Venus flytraps consume various insects, such as ants, flies, beetles, slugs, grasshoppers, and gnats. In the wild, they capture them live and digest them. At home, they can also capture live bugs, especially when living outdoors.

Indoor Venus flytraps sometimes need some help with the feeding process. They might capture prey now and then, but their success depends on the supply of bugs. Venus flytrap owners usually feed their plants manually when the plants cannot capture bugs on their own.

You can safely feed dead flies to a Venus flytrap. Flies are suitable food for Venus flytraps. They are small enough to fit inside most adult traps, they have soft tissue, and they are readily available.

How to Feed Dead Flies to Venus Flytraps

Venus flytraps are designed to consume live bugs. But, with some extra steps, you can successfully feed dead bugs to a Venus flytrap.

First things first, you must learn about the feeding process and trigger hair stimulation.

The traps of a Venus flytrap are made up of two lobes. Inside each of the lobes, there are trigger hairs. Those trigger hairs are thin filaments that are attentively waiting for some form of stimuli. If something comes in contact with the trigger hairs and touches them twice within a few seconds, an electrical signal is sent. That electrical pulse sends a specific signal which triggers the lobes to close.

The picture below shows an open trap. The trap exhibits three trigger hairs in each lobe.

After the appropriate stimuli, the traps close (hopefully enclosing prey). But the lobes do not close shut completely. First, they go into a semi-close stage. The cilia surrounding the leaves prevents the bug from escaping. The plant only closed shut if it receives further stimuli. When a bug finds itself trapped inside a Venus flytrap, it will try to escape. The bug moving and running inside the trap creates further stimuli. Such additional stimuli prompt the plant to close completely and start producing digestive enzymes.

When feeding dead prey to a Venus flytrap, you must ensure stimulating the trigger hairs for the trap to close. And then, provide further stimuli to prompt the plant to start producing digestive fluids.

Now, here are the instructions to feed dead flies to your Venus flytrap:

1. Select the fly: Make sure the bug is small enough to fit inside the trap you intend to feed. A good rule of thumb is to select a fly that is 1/3 of the size of the leaf or smaller. Also, you must make sure the dead fly is in a good state. Make sure the dead bug does not have any mold growing or fungus.
2. Spot the trigger hairs: Look carefully at the trap and detect the trigger hairs. Depending on your plant’s size and color, you might spot them with your bare eyes or need a magnifying glass.
3. Grab the dead fly with your hands or a tool: You can employ chopsticks or a tweezer to hold the bug.
4. Place the bug inside the trap and stimulate: After grabbing the insect, you must place it inside the traps. Attempt to place the bug in the center of the trap. After placing the bug in the trap, you can use your fingers or your tool to stimulate the trigger hairs. Softly touch a couple of the trigger hairs until the trap closes. Be attentive and make sure you remove your fingers and any tool fast enough to let the lobes close.
5. Stimulate further: Now, you must provide further stimuli to trick the plant into producing digestive fluids. Use your fingers or a soft tool to touch the outside of the trap. Softly grab the trap from both sides and tap. Tap the sides again and again for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The lobes should close completely by the end of this step. The photo below illustrates the concept. I use wooden chopsticks to tap the lobes of my plant during feeding.

After feeding your Venus flytrap, the trap will remain closed for several days or even weeks. The digestion process is slow. Monitor the leaf during the process. If the leaf starts withering, try using a smaller bug next time.

After extracting nutrients from the bug’s soft tissue, the plant will reopen and expose the left-over parts of the bug.

Venus Flytrap Feeding Basics and Tips

You have learned how to feed your plant dead flies and dead insects in general. But, it would help if you learned the basics of the feeding process. Feeding Venus flytraps incorrectly can waists the plant’s energy and make them lose leaves.

I wrote a complete guide on how to feed Venus flytraps. Make sure to review it before feeding your plant. It not only outlines the process, but it compares different feed options.

Here is a summary of some feeding basics and some tips:

• Only feed one trap at a time. A single bug is enough to feed the whole plant.
• Avoid overfeeding by only feeding the plant once every 4-6 weeks.
• Carefully select the size of the trap. Venus flytraps lose leaves when they attempt to consume large bugs. Select prey that is 1/3 of the size of the trap or smaller.
• Venus flytraps living outdoors do not need to be fed. They can capture their own prey.
• During winter dormancy, there is no need to feed Venus flytraps. Feeding them can actually hurt the plant.
• When employing live prey, you can stunt the bug by placing it in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Venus flytraps do not need insects to survive. They can survive solely with the photosynthesis. Plants that have access to prey develop and grow at a faster rate.  

Other Food Options Beyond Flies for Venus Flytraps

Against popular belief, Venus flytraps can consume a wide variety of insects, not only flies. Flies are a fair choice when selecting food for Venus flytraps. But some insects might be better options.

Mealworms, bloodworms, and crickets are very nutritious and effective prey options for Venus flytraps. All three options are sold in pet stores for $5 to $12. And they can be stored for long periods.

You do not always have to capture insects to feed your plant. Buying the bugs is also an option. Most pet stores that offer supplies for reptiles and fish carry freeze-dried mealworms, bloodworms, and crickets. All three options are nutritious and inexpensive. Take a trip to Petco or PetSmart and grab a bottle of dried up insects.

The process of feeding dried up insects is the same as feeding dead flies. The only difference comes when preparing the bug. You must rehydrate the bug before feeding it to your plant. Just add a few droplets of distilled water on top of the insect. Then, let it stand for a few minutes before feeding. The dead bug will absorb the water and rehydrate itself.

For more food option ideas, visit this article: Venus Flytrap Food Options. It gives you a list of common Venus flytrap food options and highlights the best.

There are many different types of carnivorous plants. Each with different trapping mechanisms and environmental requirements. This list contains ten fascinating carnivorous plants. I hope you enjoy the pictures and the description below.

If you are looking for more information on care instructions, I wrote an article focused on Carnivorous Plant Care. It is the perfect guide to get started on the hobby of growing these amazing plants.

1. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)

This plant is native in some parts of North and South Carolina, and they thrive in damp, mossy, and in mostly covered areas where there are not many people who frequent the expanse. There are distinct groups of this plant and will depend on the color, size, and mutation.

Care Considerations

The Venus Flytrap need direct sunlight for them to grow healthy as the leaves become weak and discolored without it. Their insides also lack the red color once there is insufficient sunlight. They grow to around five inches or thirteen centimeters in diameter while its traps grow up to 1.5 inches.

They can be cultivated to grow in a terrarium provided there is the right humidity in the enclosed environment, a sufficient light should be provided, even if it is an artificial one. Those who grow these plants use high-powered fluorescents to give the light that these plants need.

They also require just the right cold temperature or winter dormancy that must mimic the condition of their natural habitat. They require just the right cold condition, most especially during November and February, as it is their dormant period, which happens over winter.

This is also the right time to trim off any dead leaves that turned black during the dormant period as the Venus flytrap will die and then will have a new growth that usually begins in March.

Just like other carnivorous plants, these plants also need water. When they are out in the wild, they can survive with rainwater, but if they are being cultivated in a terrarium, they are not allowed bottled or filtered water, not even tap water, because of the mineral build-up after some time that will eventually harm your Venus Flytrap.

They will also thrive in soil that is not soaked in water, but has the right dampness and wetness. They will also not thrive in soil that is too dry as it will also dry them out.

Venus flytraps are also common houseplants. You can find detailed care instructions in this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide. It is an excellent guide to get started in growing Venus flytraps.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

The Venus Flytrap lures insects, including flies, ants, beetles, spiders, and other small bugs, even tiny frogs. They use their reddish interior and their nectar-secreting glands to attract these insects into thinking they found a flower. Once the insects are inside their trap, and this insect has to trip on any of the sensor hair twice, there is a twenty-second leeway before the snare-like teeth will snap shut, and the insect will be trapped to be digested by the enzymes produced by the plant.

Digestion takes a few days and will depend on the size of the insect. The Venus Flytrap will reopen after a few days and will wait for other insects to become its prey once again.

More Information

We consider the Venus Flytrap a threatened species because of over-harvesting and habitat destruction. There is also overgrowth of bushes and other trees that mostly cover the sunlight that these plants highly require. The botany of this plant is still being studied further.

2. Butterwort (Pinguicula)

Another type of carnivorous plant that can easily lure insects because of the sticky substance found in their leaves.

They may be unnoticeable with a greenish-yellow color. They bloom in spring and will produce purple or pink flowers, also yellow and purple. Known to have around twelve different species.

They are often found in humid regions that are mountainous, such as Central America and South America, we can also find them in Mexico. Butterworts’ habitat includes springs, shore banks, gravels, damp meadows, rock walls, among others.

Care Considerations

These plants prefer acidic soil and will need well-drained soil. It will also grow more in just the right sun exposure.

If they are to be brought indoors, they must have just the right sunlight, temperature, and moist soil condition. A humid environment and in winter, they also go into state dormancy, and during this period, they will not need too much water but just the right soil moisture.

They are used to ward off insects when inside the house, as they will feed on them.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

As this plant grows in nutrient-poor soil, they must take their nutrients from their prey for survival.

The leaves of the butterworts lie flat on the ground. It has a smooth and rigid quality to attract insects to crawl on them. It then secretes a sticky mucous substance that makes the luring of the insects easy as the leaves look inviting.

Once the insects start to get attracted and investigate and get close to the leaves, they can no longer escape as the plant will release digestive enzymes from these leaves.

The enzymes help in breaking down the insect and make it digestible for the plants until only the hard skin and indigestible parts are left.

More Information

We consider butterworts threatened or endangered species because of the habitat-related issue these species are facing. The development of land for commercial and industrial purposes, lands where most of these plants thrive on, are used to build structures, thus destroying their habitats.

Humans also remove them from their habitat to sell them for novelty purposes or to have something they can use in their house against insects. Also, humans, sometimes not knowing what they look like when they approach these plants, will just trample on them and their surroundings.

3. California Pitcher Plant (Darlingtonia Californica)

We find these plants in Northern California and Southwestern and coastal Oregon. It usually thrives on fens, stream, pond margins, seeps, and sphagnum bogs.

They can tolerate living in serpentine soil, unlike other plants. We find them mostly on the pond, cliff, or stream edges, plus they can tolerate full sun, but they will thrive most in the partial shade.

Their striking characteristic is their green stalks and bulbous cap plus a wing-shaped leaves that protrude from the top of the bulbous cap. They got their name cobra pitcher plant because of the winged leaves.

Can easily grow up to three feet, and color can vary between shades of red and brown while the flowers will point down to keep the pollen safe from rainwater.

Care Considerations

The California Pitcher Plant requires icy mountain water, and their roots must be kept cooler than the rest of the plant. If you are cultivating them, you must use cold, purified water as they prefer such temperature.

When it is summer, they would need a cooler location, but they also need just the right amount of humidity.

They also undergo a dormancy period that will last between three to five months. In springtime, they will shoot up pitchers throughout the summer.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

Bugs and insects are drawn to the pitcher’s mouth by the nectar and its color. The slippery quality of the pitcher-shaped leaves disorients the insects and bugs, making it impossible for them to find the exit. They will still try to exhaust themselves into finding where they can leave the plant until they weaken and will slide down towards the bottom of the pitcher to be dissolved by the substance being secreted by the plant.

Since the California Pitcher, Plants are only restricted in moist and bog areas and are being observed by the conservationist, making sure that the species will not be endangered or threatened.

4. Yellow Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia flava)

This plant is also called trumpets and is one of the tallest pitcher plant species.

We mostly find them in the southeastern United States. A notable characteristic is the simple nodding flowers and leaves that look like hollow pitchers, which double as the trap for insects.

Mostly found in nutrient-poor soil conditions and consuming the insects brought forth an advantage to their growth.

They have yellow-green or red-veined pitchers that grow up to three feet tall. Its large yellow five-parted flowers bloom from April to May and accordingly have a stinking smell that it emits that smells like cat’s pee.

This plant is beautiful, and its exotic flowers are wonderful to look at, especially during spring.

Care Considerations

This plant thrives in full sun and needs consistent moisture in the soil. Soil that is dried out will surely mean the demise of this species. Fertilizer is also not needed for it to grow. Some insects can damage this plan, such as mealybugs, aphids, large wasps, moth larva, and tortrix moth.

It can grow from eighteen to thirty-six inches tall.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

Just like other species of the yellow pitcher plant, this species also contain sugars to help lure insects in. The sugars have an alkaloid (coniine) component, which weakens the prey, making it impossible for them to escape their predators.

But unlike other carnivorous plants that close to trap its prey inside it, the Yellow Pitcher Plant is more passive because it just lures its prey inside with its nectar, which the insects cannot forego, and they became victim once they slide downwards inside the pitcher to be digested by the plant’s enzymes.

Conservation

Yellow Pitcher Plants helps in limiting the insect population and is an advantage for biodiversity.

However, their habitats are being destroyed because of deforestation and urbanization. Humans are also selling these plants for profit.

This plant is currently not on the threatened or endangered plant species. They are protected and placed in parks and conservation areas.

Conservation efforts are in place, such as protecting their habitats, prescribed burning to remove bushes, and other higher canopies to give way to sunlight.

5. Drosera Capensis

Commonly known as Cape Sundew and mostly found in marshes, seeps, streams, or any damp areas. This plant is native to the Cape of South Africa, but it is now becoming an invasive species like in New Zealand as the plant spreads on their own and mostly with the help of the birds.

We also find them in Australia, California, and South America.

Propagation and Care

They can easily propagate as well and even if brought indoors because it does not get easily affected by the change in temperature unless it is in a long duration. It also does not undergo dormancy, grows well in the open air, or on your window.

Its propagation includes seed, leaf, and root cuttings. Soil with water is also good for its survival. It can also withstand full sun exposure and a less sunny atmosphere.

The seed of this carnivorous plant can find its way in the neighboring area since they germinate and sprout easily and the reason it has a reputation of being a weed.

Although they are coined as carnivorous, it also has its enemy, such as aphids, thrips, and mealybug.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

This plant has strap-like leaves that root towards the center once an insect gets trapped in it. The plant leaf surrounds the prey, and with the help of other tentacles, the prey gets trapped further.

Cape Sundew captures their prey with the use of dazzling digestive secretions that are found on the leave’s tentacles. This in turn will act as a visual signal as it shines under the sun and further attracts the insects to get near it.

Once an insect gets caught in the secretion of the tentacles, other tentacles will further help using every strand to wrap and imprison the insect.

The digestive secretion will do its task of digesting the cretin until only hard components of the insect remain.

After everything settles, the leaf and the tentacles return to its original position.

This plant secretes mucin to trap their prey, and it has a high viscosity and contains a high composition of acidic polysaccharide.

Interesting Facts

Although some species of the sundew can self pollinate and other species can reproduce with the seeds, there are still species of sundew that are listed as endangered in some states. The reason is the loss of their habitat.

Drosera has its medicinal use, and the extracts of the leaves were used to remove corns and warts while there is some medicinal help with asthma, coughs, stomachache, toothache, liver pain, among others.

6. Nephentes Alata

This plant is common in the Philippines and is considered highly polymorphic and shows a wide variety of traits such as the pitcher shape and its color. The color ranges from yellow-green to red, to orange, purple, to speckled, and more.

The pitcher shape also varies in size and shape, some are slender while others are wide mouth or cylindrical in the upper half while it is rounded at the bottom.

The characteristic of serrated wings along the ant trail is also prominent.

Just like other carnivorous plants, it uses its nectar to attract insects to its pitcher. There is a pitfall trap that makes it impossible for the insects trapped inside to find an exit.

Adaptations

These plants have adapted over the years. They have evolved with the use of insects as their food even if there is a limited resource, their existence continues.

The Nephentes Alata is considered a lowland plant but can also tolerate the highland conditions and is not too hard to propagate in soil or on trees.

It is a survivor as it attaches itself to a narrow stem as it grows tall until it is all that is found hanging on bushes or branches of trees. They grow quickly, and they can adapt to their surroundings.

There are some organisms that this plant competes with, such as spiders, because it can build webs on top of the plant making it get its fill first instead of the plant.

Some primates can steal insects from the traps as well and rob them of their food.

The growth of this species is easy, and it is not considered endangered or threatened except for some species of Nepenthes that are critical while some are considered vulnerable.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

As the insects think the pitcher is a safe place to find food, it will enter the plant until it is too late, and it is trapped inside. The nectar glands are surrounding the pitcher, thus attracting the insect inside and will find the sweet fluid.

They will also find out that they cannot exit the plant because of the slippery inner surface, which will then make them fall off and slides further inside the pitcher traps. Further, inside the pitcher traps, there are digestive enzymes pooling at the bottom, which will drown the insect and digest it so they can use it for its nutrients.

7. Drosera Aliciae (Alice sundew)

Another carnivorous plant in the Droseraceae family that can be found at the Cape Provinces of South Africa and is one of the most common sundews in breeding.

Its distinctive character is its fairly thin, long roots, spoon-shaped leaves sized at 25mm long and with 7 mm width. Leaves are also similar in size and have a reddish color, plus reddish, glandular, and sticky hair covers it.

Its flowers can grow quite large, and the plant can get tall plus the leaves can get long and bigger up to three inches.

Mostly found in marshes, streams, damp area, and permanent seeps.

This plant flourishes by snacking on insects and trapping them inside.

Care Considerations

This plant can self pollinate or pollinated with the help of insects.

The Drosera aliciae is not an overly sensitive plant, as it can grow well in any temperature and requires little to propagate. It can tolerate drier or moist soil, and it can handle warmer temperature, but humidity below forty degrees may not be helpful for this plant.

When exposed to full sunlight, color may turn red-orange, and for less sunlight, it will turn orange-green leaves and will have red tentacles.

Also, it does not need dormancy, unlike other carnivorous plants.

If brought indoors, it is best for terrariums and windowsills with temperatures between forty to ninety degrees. Use rainwater or distilled water and not water with high mineral content.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

The plant hairs exude a sticky substance that attracts and lures insects and other small prey that is present.

The secreted enzyme has a sweet scent to attract insects. Once the prey got lured, the tentacles will know when there is a prey caught up and will then continue to engulf the insect by the sticky glands, also known as tentacles and digested enzymes.

The nitrogen that this plant gets from the digested insects completes its requirement for it.

Medical Properties

The Alice Sundew was known to help in various ailments as well, such as eye and ear infection, morning sickness, stomach issues, syphilis, toothache, so forth, and so on.

Good thing that this species is not threatened nor endangered.

8. Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)

This plant is one of the most widespread among the sundew species. Found in northern Europe as well as in Syberia, Korea, Japan, and in large parts of Northern America. They are also widespread in New Guinea, California, Mississippi, and Alabama, USA.

This species grows from three to five centimeters.

Found mostly in wet meadows, or in nutrient-poor sites, which include heathland, moorland, freshwater, fens, bogs, and areas with low to middle elevation.

It has a similarity to the great sundew, just have a difference in the shape of its leaf.

Due to a lack of nitrogen in their environment, this plant must compensate by eating insects and getting minerals and nutrients from the insect that they usually consume.

They usually prey for a creature or two a month, and their victims include mosquitoes, smaller insects, and may sometimes include the hapless butterflies and mosquitoes if there is no other option around.

Successful hunters that can trap insects as often will grow larger and will have an abundant bloom of flowers.

It prefers open, partly sunny, or even direct sunlight.

This species can be identified by its greeny-red leaves that are covered in red hair and arranged at the base of the plant, making it appear like a rosette. It also has a rounded shape leaves.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

On its hairlike tendrils, there are glistening droplets that attract passing insects. The sticky substance is sticky, and once the insect sticks to it, they are trapped because once the tendril detects their presence it will curl inwards to further trap the insect. The insect will try hard to set itself free, but it only pushes itself inward until the whole leaf wraps around the prey.

The insect inside the plants will get digested with the digestive enzyme that the plant emits. Once the digestion is done, this plant will absorb all the nutrients taken from the insect.

Multiple Uses

There is information that the dew of this plant was once used as an anti-aging potion, which was believed in the olden days.

The sap is also used to curdle milk, while in Europe the leaves were used to make cheese and milk dessert, not to mention the antibiotic effect that this plant supposedly has.

Conservationists didn’t find this plan endangered or threatened, but common.

9. Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda Vesiculosa)

The waterwheel plant is similar to other carnivorous plants called Venus Flytrap, but this plant victimizes small aquatic invertebrates using their traps. This plant is capable of rapid movement.

This plant is a rootless aquatic plant with floating stems. The traps have petioles that hold air sacs, which makes it possible to float.

Found in clean, shallow, standing water with bright light, warm and with a slight acidity or pH.

This plant just floats just beneath the water surface together with other aquatic plants. The only thing sticking out is its flower, which is a single white flower on top of the branches. A flower that only opens for a few hours and closed after to go back underwater.

Survival

The waterwheel plant survives on small prey, and using their snap trap underwater, they can survive for a long, and their existence even dates back fifty million years ago.

The Water Wheel requires a lot of sunlight and sometimes may fight with algae that crowd them for survival.

During winter, as a frost survival strategy, the Aldrovanda will produce turions that break off the mother plant and sinks to the bottom of the water as the temperature under are more stable and the chance of survival is high.

When spring arrives, the turions will float to the top of the water, where they will germinate and continue the growth process.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

The trap of Aldrovanda comprises two lobes that fold together once there is an insect in its lair. It snaps just like a Venus Flytrap to keep the prey inside.

The closing of the trap takes ten to twenty milliseconds, which is faster according to standard The fast trapping is possible during warm conditions of twenty degrees Celsius at least.

It prefers tiny insects and small fishes or tadpoles.

Conservation Efforts

The waterwheel plant is considered sensitive and has undergone a huge decline as their habitats got destroyed by humans.

They previously have over four hundred populations, but have gone down to a measly fifty.

Conservationists are working hard to monitor the waterwheel plants and their habitats. They are being reintroduced in areas where they have been extinct.

The hope that these plants will be able to survive endangerment is high.

10. Aquatic Bladderworts (Utricularia Vulgaris)

Bladderworts have over two hundred species and can be found in freshwater and wet soil as aquatic species and also cultivated for its flowers because of its orchid-like quality.

Aquatic bladderworts are another carnivorous plant that mostly captures small organisms in its traps.

We find them in South America and also in Australia.

Twenty percent of the species are aquatic, where they are found freely on top of muddy waters and get to the surface when they are flowering. Some even live on rapidly moving streams and waterfalls.

This type of bladderworts prefers growing in acidic waters, but because of high competition, they have adapted to live in alkaline waters.

Environment

These plants prefer warm or partially sunny environments. They easily grew as long as there are no algae around to compete with.

Aquatic bladderworts prefer acidic pH, plus a nice combination of CO2 in the water as they will grow abundantly with the right combination of gas plus the availability of food.

Dormancy is required for the Aquatic bladderworts as they develop turions over the winter and will sink at the bottom to reemerge at the right time and temperature.

They mostly survive on insect larvae, mosquito wigglers, daphnia, water fleas, invertebrates, and protozoa.

Bug Trapping Mechanism

Once the hair-like bristles get triggered bypassing animal that will soon become prey, the bladder walls of this plant will spring into readiness, while the door that flies open will suck in water and the insect will be drawn in, and then the door will close making it impossible for the trapped insect to get out.

Once the prey is inside, the enzymes being secreted by the Aquatic Bladderworts will digest it. Digestion may occur for a few hours, while others take days.

Medicinal Use and Conservation

The species of bladderworts are being used to make medicinal tea, while it is also used to treat urinary tract infection, spasms, and swelling. The use of this plant species is still continuously being developed.

There are some states where these plant’s habitats are being cleared for sand mining or areas are being used for the construction of buildings and structures.

As these carnivorous plants require a specific environment to thrive in, there is a danger of them getting threatened, and they must adapt to the fast-changing environment so they can continuously exist.

But as long as they are being introduced intentionally in a different location so they can survive to cultivate, there is hope for this species.

After buying grown Venus flytrap, I decided to experiment and grow Venus flytraps from seeds. There were a few options in terms of germination media. Cotton is a common choice for many types of seeds. But, what about Venus flytraps?

Venus flytrap seeds can germinate in cotton. But, in the long term, cotton is not a suitable medium. A combination of sphagnum or peat moss with perlite or sand makes up appropriate carnivorous plant soil. This soil is optimal for germination due to its nutrition-less nature and drainage properties.

Growing Venus flytrap from seeds can be a challenge if you do not have all the information. This article will guide you through the process. First, assess the germination media. Then, review the germination process.

Venus Flytrap Cotton Germination

Venus flytraps require a particular environment to survive. To germinate, Venus flytraps require nutrient-free soil, pure water, mild-warm temperatures, a humid environment, and sunlight. The soil or media is important.

Some Venus flytrap owners germinate seeds in carnivorous plant soil; others germinate them in water. Germinating Venus flytrap seeds in cotton is possible but not the best option.

Cotton is not the best option due to a few reasons. Cotton might contain chemicals which kill the seedling. Also, cotton retains moisture, but it does not drain the water. The germination process takes a couple of weeks until the seeds start hatching. Without proper drainage, the cotton could exhibit fungus or mold and harm/kill the seedings.

The seeds of a Venus flytrap are tiny. They are only 2-3 millimeters long. Once they germinate, a tiny seedling starts growing. However, it takes months for it to grow substantially. Germinating seeds in cotton is not sustainable. The material might not only rot, but it is also hard to remove from tiny flytrap.

The Best Potting Media for Venus Flytraps

In the wild, Venus flytraps grow in inferior soil. They are not used to standard minerals or nutrients in their media. Therefore, standard potting soil is unsuitable for Venus flytrap.

Venus flytraps need nutrient-free, mineral-free soil to survive. A combination of peat or sphagnum moss with a draining agent is suitable media options.

It is possible to buy carnivorous plant soil online. Many nurseries sell their own blend in small bags or large batches. Just make sure to verify the soil is for carnivorous plants. It should be clear in the description. Buying ready-made carnivorous plant soil online is a practical yet costly option. A small bag of soil might cost you five to ten dollars for just a couple of pots.

You can also make your own carnivorous plant soil.

You can grow Venus flytrap in different potting media. First, you can employ pure peat moss or sphagnum moss. As long as the ingredients are pure and nutrient-free, you can germinate and grow Venus flytraps in pure moss. However, pure moss soil does not provide enough drainage and can cause fungus or mold issues.

• 

• 

For best results, mix pure peat moss or sphagnum moss with sand or perlite. Again, both the sand and the perlite must be pure (without any enriched components). The sand and perlite help break up and aerate the soil. Also, they promote drainage and allow for water to flow without getting stuck in compressed soil.

The ratios for making the soil do not have to be perfect. But, to simplify your search, I have made a few effective recipe options for carnivorous plants:

• 4 part peat moss and 1 part perlite
• 3 part sphagnum moss and 1 part sand
• 1 part peat and 1 part sand
• 1 part sphagnum and 1 part perlite
• 1 part peat, 1 part sphagnum, and 1 part sand

Venus Flytrap Seed Germination Instructions

In the previous sections, you explored some specific potting media for your seeds. Now, you will learn how to germinate Venus flytrap seeds.

Germinate your seeds by following the instructions below.

1. Gather the appropriate materials: the potting media, distilled water (or reverse osmosis water, or rainwater), a pot or containers, a water tray for the container, and the seeds. Optionally, you can also employ a trowel and a mixing container.
2. Grab the soil and moisten it with the water. Take your time mixing the soil with the water until the soil is completely soaked.
3. Place the already soaked soil in the containers. Once there, use your hands to verify the soil is damped all the way through.
4. Fill up the water tray with 1 inch of water and place the pot with the soil in the water tray.
5. Now, it is time to sow the seeds. The seeds are tiny and can get lost. Avoid windy areas during sowing to avoid losing some precious seeds. Carefully put the seeds in the palm of your hand or on a plate. Grab a few and sow them in the container.
6. Continue to sow all the seeds you have. Try to space them out in the container and consider using multiple containers if necessary.
7. Do not cover the seeds with soil. If they are visible, press them lightly against the soil to ensure they won’t fly away and leave them. Now, the seeds are set for germination.
8. Make sure to place the seeds in the right location and environment for germination. First, the water tray is very important. Venus flytraps require very moist environments to germinate and grow. Do not let the water tray dry up completely; refill the water as necessary. Also, the seeds need some exposure to sunlight. For germination, avoid direct sunlight for extended periods. Instead, opt for 4-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight. Finally, monitor the temperatures. Venus flytraps germinate in warm temperatures above 75 F (24 C). But, you must also avoid extremely hot temperatures above 90-95 F (32-35 C). The seeds and seedlings are delicate. Temperatures above 90 F can dry them out.

After two to three weeks of sowing, you should spot the first germinations. Do not get discouraged by the first days, when there is not much to see. Eventually, you will spot the seedlings spurring. During germination, make sure to keep the soil moist, provide enough lighting, and an acceptable temperature for germination.

The seedlings are tiny. But, eventually, after germination, you will be able to harvest tiny Venus flytraps. Then, you can transfer the baby flytraps into individual containers.

Avoid transferring the seedlings anytime before two to three months. In the first weeks of their life, Venus flytraps are very small and delicate. It is very challenging to transfer them. If you wait a few months, it is a lot easier, and there is less risk of damaging the plants.

The picture below is a baby Venus flytrap. It is about 7 months old. It has the exact shape of a mature plant, but it is tiny. The traps are just a few millimeters long.

A few more tips…

Windowsills are great locations for germinating seeds. I have germinated seeds indoors in a windowsill with great success. When temperatures are extreme in the outdoors, you can germinate seeds indoors and then transfer the plants to the outdoors later on.

Consider sowing seeds in multiple containers. Sometimes mold or fungus issues arise (this is how you can get rid mold in the soil). Sowing different batches of seeds increase your chances of success.

You do not need to sow all your seeds at once. As a beginner, you might want to experiment first with some and store the rest. You can safely store Venus flytrap seeds in the refrigerator for later use.

Further Care

Venus flytraps are fantastic plants to own. As a carnivorous plant hobbyist, I am always excited to share what I know with the community. And, growing Venus flytraps from seeds is an important step.

If you follow a guide, germinating Venus flytrap seeds is not particularly hard. But, the challenge does not stop after germination. Venus flytraps require a particular environment to survive. You can read the Venus Flytrap Ultimate Care Guide to be informed of their needs. Also, in the article, I share a downloadable Venus flytrap care sheet to share with readers. It is a short two-page summary that outlines ALL main considerations when growing Venus flytraps.

When I first got a Venus flytrap, I was intrigued by the traps. But, I was not sure if touching a Venus flytrap could hurt or even kill it.

Touching a Venus flytrap won’t kill the plant. Poking the traps and activating them won’t kill the leaves immediately, but it will weaken them. The leaves have a limited lifetime; they wither after closing a couple of times.

Do you want to learn how to handle a Venus flytrap? This article will give you some tips for the best results.

Is Touching a Venus Fly Trap Safe?

The leaves of a Venus flytrap are unique. They exhibit bright colors and look like tiny jaws. In this section, you will learn if it is safe to touch a Venus flytrap.

Effect on the Venus Flytrap

Venus flytraps are native to South Carolina and North Carolina. It wasn’t until a few years ago that they became a popular plant pet.

Venus flytraps, like most plants, prefer not to be touched. Touching the plant causes stress. Also, it triggers the plant to lose leaves and lowers its photosynthetic ability.

Touching a Venus flytrap in different areas will generate different effects.

Bare root Venus flytraps come without a pot. They are shipped enclosed with water retaining materials such as mesh. The roots of the plant are long. They are black in color and very resilient. As an owner, you must treat them with care. But, overall, they can handle some touch during potting or repotting.

The bulb of the plant is the origin spot for the leaves. The bulb is white and has a firm exterior consistency and soft within. The bulb of the plant is delicate. You can touch the bulb as long as it is handled with care. Any piercing with your nails could damage the plant.

Touching a Venus flytrap inside its traps will trigger them to close. The leaves close when they receive the appropriate stimuli.

Closing the traps by poking them won’t kill the plant. But it will weaken it. Each of the leaves has a limited lifetime. After the lobes have closed a couple of times, it will lose its trapping capabilities and start to wither. Also, the plant will waste energy controlling those traps in an unnecessary motion.

It is normal for some leaves to wither in a Venus flytrap. These plants grow rapidly. They are continually producing new leaves as old ones start to wither. However, when poking the plant, you are accelerating the withering process. And a new young leaf is not ready to take over. With a lower number of leaves, the plant has a smaller photosynthetic area, which weakens it.

The Venus flytrap spends substantial amounts of energy controlling the traps. Activating the traps without purpose will cause stress and waste the plant’s energy. Generally, playing with the traps without actually feeding the plant can slow down its growth.

Venus flytraps have evolved to become successful predators. Their goal is to avoid closing their traps without prey.

Effects on Humans

Venus flytraps have become popular choices for exotic houseplants. They are sold in general stores, and some families buy them as a project for kids or adults alike.

Venus flytraps are harmless to humans. Their traps, which only extend to a maximum of 1.5 inches in size, are too small and weak to harm humans. It is safe to keep a Venus flytrap indoors.

Touching a Venus flytrap through the base of its leaves causes no effect. That area is just like any other leaf you encounter in the past.

The traps are a different area. They are usually opened and have cilia in their outer border. The cilia surrounding the lobes are soft. A human can safely introduce their finger inside a trap without any risk of sharp edges.

The leaves of a Venus flytrap are made up of two lobes. Inside each of the lobes are three trigger hairs. The trap closes only if something has touched the trigger hairs twice within a few seconds.

The first time people see a Venus flytrap, they tend to try to poke the traps and close them. Sometimes they are unsuccessful because they are unaware of the trigger hairs.

Suppose a human pokes inside a trap and wiggles their finger around the trap. The lobes will close after receiving the appropriate stimuli. You will feel the pressure of the lobes trying to grab you. But, the strength of the plant is not even close to keeping you there. You can easily take out your fingers from inside the trap. The lobes will remain closed, but the trap will reopen within 24 hours.

A human could also attempt to leave their finger in a trap for a while. The plant starts producing enzymes after capturing prey. Those enzymes can break up human flesh. But, due to the scale, the plant could only decompose tiny pieces of flesh.

Tips to Handle Venus Flytrap

You have learned about the effects of touching a Venus flytrap. Humans are safe to touch these plants, but the plant might weaken or even die due to improper care. I have summarized some tips below to ensure you handle your plant correctly and do not end up harming it.

• Do not expose the roots of the plant often: The roots of the plant are delicate. They can be touched, but they should not be broken. Generally, avoid exposing the roots of the plant. Only extract the plant from its pot once a year, during repotting, or for an emergency such as root rot or plagues.
• You can activate the traps, but only during feeding: Activating the traps weakens the plant. But, as an owner, you might be interested in observing how your plant works. There is an entirely safe way to do it: feed your plant. Venus flytraps benefit from capturing prey. They extract key nutrients that help them boost their diet.

Feeding a Venus flytrap is a fun and unique process. If done correctly, it is completely safe for the plant. Before you experiment with feeding a Venus flytrap, make sure to read this article: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide. It outlines all you need to know about feeding a Venus flytrap effectively. The process is not complicated, but without a few tips, you could make mistakes.

• Avoid unwanted stress for the plant: Place the Venus flytrap in an area away from any source of stress. If you have a curious pet, opt for a room where the pet is not allowed. Or, consider buying hanging planters to keep the plant away from pets or humans (Venus flytraps are a bit of a novelty; many of my friends try to poke my plants as soon as they see them).
• Chose an appropriate home for the plant and stick to it: It isn’t easy to keep a Venus flytrap healthy as a novice owner. Avoiding any extra stress to your plant helps the plant grow without disturbances. Be very strategic when choosing a placement for your plant. Then, only move it if it is struggling or needs exposure to colder weather during dormancy.
• Trim only when necessary without pulling: Venus flytraps produce black leaves often. Feel free to trim the black leaves when they have completely dried up. However, you must always trim them with scissors. Never pull dead leaves. Pulling them can harm the bulb and even split the whole plant in half!

Other Venus Flytrap Care Considerations

I hope you found the tips useful. Owning a Venus flytrap is a unique experience and a challenge. Venus flytraps are safe for humans and pets. But, we might be the ones that end up killing the plants.

Besides touching the plant, there are many more considerations to follow when caring for Venus flytraps. For example, they can’t be watered with tap water or potted in standard potting soil. Also, some pot materials can kill Venus flytraps. To solve everyone some trouble, I made a Venus Flytrap Care Sheet. You can download it as a PDF format and save (or print) it for your records. You will get some necessary information for beginners, but also some advanced details.

Venus flytraps have developed successful snap trap mechanisms to capture prey. The leaves of the plant are sometimes open and sometimes closed. Their state can give you information about the plant.

Venus flytraps close their traps when they receive the appropriate stimuli. The trap closes when something touches the trigger hairs inside the lobes two consecutive touches within 20 seconds. The stimuli can be caused by humans, prey, rain, or falling leaves.

To properly care for a Venus flytrap, you must learn about their trapping mechanism. In this article, you will assess why your Venus flytrap has closed leaves and if it is healthy.

Why Is My Venus Fly Trap Closed?

Venus flytrap developed bug-catching mechanisms to supplement their diet. They generate their food through the photosynthesis process. But, because they natively grow in inferior soil, they must capture bugs to boost their nutrition.

The Venus flytrap exhibits snap trap mechanisms. The traps in the plant are modified leaves that look like jaws. Each trap is made up of two lobes. And each lobe has 3 thin filaments arranged in a triangular pattern. Those filaments are commonly called trigger hairs.

The picture below shows an open trap showing the trigger hairs. If you own a Venus flytrap, you should be able to spot them.

Venus flytraps spend significant amounts of energy controlling those traps. The plant must control its leaves with care and precision. The lobes only close when they received the appropriate signal.

Venus flytraps close shut only when something has stimulated their trigger hairs twice within 20 seconds. The plant developed a double-stimuli mechanism to prevent closing without capturing prey.

In the wild, Venus flytraps close when insects crawl or land inside their lobes. But also rain or falling leaves could stimulate the trigger hairs and make the trap snap shut.

Now, you know how to trigger a Venus flytrap to close. But, what about the leaves that are already closed? Are they consuming a bug? It is possible. For completion, I have made a list of common causes for a closed leaf. In each case, I explain when you should expect it to reopen.

Sometimes Venus fly traps won’t close their leaves to capture insects because they might be hibernating or sick. In this article, you can find more info on this: Why Venus Fly Traps Won’t Close Plus Easy Fixes.

The Venus Flytrap Is Consuming a Bug

The most common reason why Venus flytraps have closed leaves is that they have captured a bug. Outdoors Venus flytraps attract potential victims with sweet nectar and hope to catch a meal. Indoors, Venus flytraps can still capture bugs, but it is more unlikely. It all depends on access to bugs.

Against popular belief, Venus flytraps not only consume flies. They attract and capture a myriad of different insects or spiders.

The traps close when a curious insect encounters the trigger hairs twice within 20 seconds. Then, the trap snaps shut. The bug will likely try to escape and run around the trap. However, further stimuli to the trigger hairs will activate the enzyme production inside the trap. Finally, the leaf will start digesting the bug inside the leaf.

The digestion process for Venus flytraps is long. The trap remains closed for several days or even a couple of weeks during the process.

Once the plant is finished with the bug, the leaf reopens and exposes the leftovers from the prey. Venus flytraps can’t digest the exoskeleton.

It Closed by Mistake

Even though Venus flytraps aim to prevent closing their traps due to a mistake, it can happen. Sometimes heavy rain can stimulate the trigger hairs. Or maybe a human was playing with the plant and closed the traps by poking them.

When a Venus flytrap is closed without a live insect inside its trap, the leaf will reopen in the next 24 hours. The plant does not start the digestion process without further stimuli. A dead bug or an empty trap won’t stimulate the trigger hairs any further.

It is not recommended to play with the traps of a Venus flytrap. The leaves can only open and close a couple of times before they wither. Triggering the leaves without bugs can harm the plant as it loses leaves, and it wastes energy.

If you own a Venus flytrap, place the plant strategically in a location where the leaves won’t get triggered. Put them away from curious pets and moving objects such as flowing curtains.

The Leaf Is Dying

Venus flytraps are always growing very quickly. They produce new leaves often as old ones wither. After opening and closing a limited amount of times, some leaves start to wither.

Sometimes a trap is closed, and due to its age, it starts to wither. In this case, the trap won’t reopen. It will remain closed and slowly dry up until it has completely blackened.

Do not worry about a leaf withering if it is an isolated event. Black leaves are commonly present on Venus flytraps. However, when you notice an increase in black leaves. You must assess the health of your plant. When leaves stay closed and wither, then it might be a sign of incorrect feeding. You can learn the details in this article: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide. It is best to learn how to feed your plant before getting started. Incorrect feeding can harm the plant.

Why Are All My Venus Flytrap Traps Closed?

In some uncommon occasions, Venus flytraps might exhibit many closed traps. Usually, a couple of leaves might be closed, but not all of them.

The motion during shipping, potting or repotting can cause a Venus flytrap to close all or most of its traps. The plant won’t die due to the stress, but it will weaken.

If your plant has closed most of its leaves due to shipping, potting, or repotting, I have some advice for you.

Stress Due to Shipping

Owning a Venus flytrap is a unique experience. Some of us find carnivorous plants in farmer markets or gardening shops. Others order them online.

Shipping carnivorous plants is safe. Most carnivorous plant nurseries are highly specialized and know precisely how to pack a Venus flytrap. When ordering Venus flytraps online, consider choosing a potted option. Most vendors give you the opportunity to ship the plant bare-root or potted.

It is not a requirement, but potted plants tend to arrive with intact roots. The container, like enclosed in a dome or terrarium, prevents the leaves from damaging.

When receiving an online order, be extra careful handling the plant. Most of the traps might be closed due to the motion. Ensure you are at home when the plant arrives and remove it from the packing as soon as possible.

Do not worry about the closed leaves when the plant arrives. The most important thing to do is plant the Venus flytrap in appropriate soil, water it with the correct water source (distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater), and provide proper lighting.

After introducing the plant to its new environment, avoid causing unwanted stress. Do not play with the traps, feed the plant, or fertilize it. Let it rest for a few weeks. By then, the traps will be open, and you can experience giving your plant a meal.

Contact During Potting and Repotting

Many leaves of a Venus flytrap can close during potting and repotting.

Potting and repotting a Venus flytrap can cause stress to the plant. Also, it is difficult for the owners to handle the plant without triggering some of the leaves. Generally, you should avoid touching the inside of the traps. But it is not always possible.

I struggle to repot the plant in the picture below. The Venus flytrap had outgrown the container. When transitioning it to a new pot, I activated multiple traps.

After potting or repotting a Venus flytrap, treat the plant with care. Avoid feeding it and avoid causing any additional stress. Place the plant in its set location and leave it there until it fully recovers. It usually takes only a few hours for traps to reopen. But, it takes a couple of weeks for the plant to adapt to new media.

You can learn all about the potting process in this article: Venus flytrap Potting and Repotting Guide. It can be tricky, but following the correct procedure sets you for success.

Final Thoughts

Owning a Venus flytrap is a challenge. Learning about how they work is a significant first step in understanding the plant’s requirements. This article gave you some brief information on feeding, playing with traps, stress, and potting. However, there is a lot more to learn.

I have made a Venus flytrap Care Sheet you can download as a PDF. The care sheet is in this article: Venus Flytrap Ultimate Care Guide. Best of luck growing Venus fly trap!

Before I bought a Venus flytrap, I researched any potential risks and dangers the plant could bring to humans and pets. Luckily, the plant was a safe bet; it could be a great addition to my other houseplants.

Venus flytraps are not poisonous plants. Ingesting the plant won’t cause significant risks beyond indigestion. Due to their small trap size (less than 1.5 inches), Venus flytraps are harmless to humans, dogs, and cats.

It is safe to grow Venus flytrap at home. In the next section, I will explain exactly how this is true and give you peace of mind. Also, I will expand on some details about growing Venus flytraps at home and protecting them from pets.

Are Venus Flytraps Poisonous?

The Venus Flytrap, or the Dionaea muscipula, is a carnivorous plant native to the wetlands in North Caroline and South Carolina. It is famous for catching and eating insects as well as small animals. The leaves of the flytrap open wide and there are short hairs on them called trigger hairs or sensitive hairs. This helps the plant detect once an insect lands on its mouth. It is found that if anything dead lands on the plant’s mouth, it will not tightly close on it.

Recently, there are more people looking to have Venus flytraps as part of their houseplants; particularly those interested in botany. However, there is this constant concern if it is safe to have them in houses with kids and pets.

Venus flytraps grow an average of five inches and pose no threat to humans; especially kids. It is said that kids and pets can cause more harm to the plant instead of the other way around. The plant is also non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs.

However, the plant does have compounds that may be poisonous if consumed by pets. Staff from the USA’s ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center explained pets have shown almost no symptoms once they consume the plant while mild gastrointestinal upset is said to be the worst-case scenario.

Can Venus Flytraps Bite?

The flytraps are able to digest human flesh, however, they cannot bite into human beings and take chunks of flesh with them. With that aside, Venus flytraps do bite as it will close its mouth when anything lands on it. However, it will be harmless to children and pets. The ones who are in danger from the plant are flies. This is due to the fact the plant secretes nectar on its mouth which insects become attracted to.

Insects become attracted to the smell of nectar and once they land on the leaves of the plant, a signal will be sent by the trigger hairs outside of the trap. The mouth will then shut in less than a second. It is also said the leaves do not tighten immediately to let smaller insects escape. Once larger insects start to struggle, the leaves will start to tighten while insect secretions will also cause the leaves to tighten further.

Is It Viable to Grow a Venus Flytrap Indoors?

Venus flytraps can be grown indoors and survive. Since the plant is carnivorous, it is not difficult to grow indoors if there is a perfect spot for them. It is best if the flytrap is placed on a porch window where enough sunlight will enter and insects can easily crawl through.

They will need as much sun and heat as possible as well as a resting period during the colder weather. The soil should always be kept moist while the environment should be humid at all times.

Growing the plant under artificial lights is also a good way to provide them with enough light however it is recommended to keep the flytrap around four to seven inches away from it. While during winter, it is best to keep the plant 35 to 50 Fahrenheit. The flytrap will need a period of dormancy. It will appear dead with the leaves dying but, in reality, the plant is just resting during winter.

An important reminder would be to feed the plant bugs and nothing else; they should also be alive as dead insects won’t work on the plants. You can only employ dead bugs if you follow a very specific method. This guide contains the details: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide. Flytraps cannot digest exoskeletons and it will leave the bones of the insects once the mouth opens once again.

Once the flytrap matures, it can produce flowers on a tall stalk and each flower produces small seeds. It is recommended to plant these seeds as soon as possible or keep them in the refrigerator. However, people who do not intend to plant the seed are recommended to cut off the flower stalk when it reaches five centimeters.

This section covers a short summary on caring for Venus flytraps. But, there is much more to consider. You can download the Complete Venus flytrap Care Sheet from this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide.

Tips to Keep Venus Flytraps Away From Pets

As mentioned earlier, pets are a greater risk for houseplants instead of the other way around. Keeping the plant safe will ultimately be a factor in its survival.

Just like any other houseplant, it is important to keep the Venus flytrap out of reach of pets. As it is recommended to place them near the window, the plant should be elevated to make sure it won’t be harmed by cats and dogs.

If there are areas in the house pets are not allowed to be in, it is best to place the flytrap there. This decreases the risk of the plant being harmed as the pets already know it is a prohibited area for them. Growers can also opt to have hanging pots around the house and place the flytraps there. This will ensure the safety of the plant as well as the pets as there is no way for them to reach the elevated plant.

Another tip would be training the pets to stay away from the plants. Enforcing good behavior on dogs and cats is also an important factor in the safety of the plant. Being able to let the pets realize and remember the flytraps shouldn’t be harmed through playful acts will help it survive to be indoors. It is also best to be safe than sorry and this is a way to keep both the plants and pets safe.

Owners can also opt to place the Venus flytrap in a terrarium to keep the pets from constantly reaching for it and dig on the soil. This will also make it easier to control the environment of the plant as it will be easier to keep a terrarium humid. Terrariums will serve as a mini garden for the plant. The plants won’t need to constantly be watered if they are in a terrarium too due to the enclosed nature of it.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Venus flytrap is very safe for children and pets and poses no threat being indoors. Being able to take care of the plant will also be easier with all things considered.

Having the right area may be tricky at first, but after getting the hang of it, it will become easier to keep more flytraps indoors. Knowing the right soil and water is important for the survival of this carnivorous plant as well as the proper prey to feed it. It might not be easy at first, but the first times are never easy for anyone.

It will most definitely be a plus having a Venus flytrap in houses, especially for those who constantly have flies going around. The plant will save them the time of swatting the flies away while the plant will be able to nourish itself through it.