Carnivorous plant information, science facts, and care instructions.
Author: Kellie
My name is Kellie, and I am the owner of Venus Flytrap World. Growing carnivorous plants has been a very unique and rewarding experience for me. A few years ago, I started growing Venus flytraps and experimenting with other carnivorous plant species. I have done tons of research to perfect my setup and care practices. In this site, I share everything I have learned.
Adult Venus flytraps benefit greatly from capturing prey. But, when Venus flytraps are very young, they seem too small to catch bugs. As an owner, you must decide when is the right time to start to feed it.
Baby Venus flytraps have fully functional traps; however, due to their size, it is unlikely they will capture prey. Venus flytrap owners can start feeding their Venus flytrap when the plant develops traps, but feeding young plants is a challenge and can cause leaf loss and stress.
As an owner, you might be excited and ready to feed your Venus flytrap. But, before getting started, you must learn some necessary information. This article will give you tips on how to feed baby or young Venus flytraps.
When Do Venus Fly Traps Start Eating?
Young or baby Venus flytraps, under one-year-old, are very tiny. During the first year, the plant looks exactly like an adult plant, but small. It has defined traps that function. They can open and close upon appropriate stimuli.
Venus flytraps can start eating at a very young age. When they are tiny, they are only capable of eating tiny insects such as ants or gnats. Still, they can capture prey.
Here is a picture of one of my baby Venus flytrap. It is still under a year old. The leaves are open, but only a few mm in length.
The growth of each plant varies in different environments, but usually, as the plant reaches two years of age, the traps will reach a substantial size. At that point, the traps will be about half an inch in length. The leaves will continue to grow in the next months until they reach a size of one inch.
One inch is a mature trap size for Venus flytraps. Venus flytraps can continue to grow horizontally and propagate, but the size of their traps rarely exceeds one inch in length.
Venus flytraps start eating as soon as their traps are large enough to capture prey. And strong enough to hold them captive until the digestion process begins. Venus flytraps must enclose prey completely inside their traps to consume it.
The bug in the picture seems a little too large for the plant. It will most likely escape.
Should You Feed Young Venus Flytrap?
It is a challenge to feed young Venus flytraps due to their size. In the later sections, you will learn how to feed baby Venus flytraps. But, for now, you must first make an assessment. In many cases, it does not make sense to feed a Venus flytrap.
In the wild, Venus flytraps grow in nutrition-less environments. With little or no access to minerals from the ground. As a result, Venus flytraps have developed a bug catching mechanism. They consume bugs to supplement their diet. But, in reality, their food comes from another process: photosynthesis. Like other plants, Venus flytraps produce their own food.
Venus flytraps can live all their life without ever capturing a bug. The nutrients they extract from prey are beneficial but not necessary.
No Venus flytrap, regardless of its age, “needs” bugs to be healthy. It is not recommended to manually feed young Venus flytraps when their traps are smaller than half an inch, as they are delicate and difficult to feed. Instead, the plant can be placed outdoors, with plenty of access to live feed. If the plant is big enough and strong enough to capture prey, it will feed itself.
It is possible to feed a baby or young Venus flytrap, but it is a challenge. The next sections will give you the advice to avoid making crucial mistakes and harming your plant. But be aware that are two alternatives besides manual feeding:
Let the plant capture its own prey outdoors
Provide appropriate care to boost the plant’s growth without feeding.`
Proper Care vs Feeding
Venus flytraps benefit from sporadic feeding. A single bug every few weeks can substantially promote the plant’s growth. But, besides feeding, there are other alternatives to stimulate growth.
Proper care ensures the plant is healthy and developing. To promote growth, you must focus on two crucial factors: water and lighting. Photosynthesis is an essential process; boosting it means the plant will be healthy.
Lighting
Venus flytraps require plenty of light. Optimally, they should receive 12 hours of sunlight during the spring. They can live healthy with only 4-6 hours of daylight. But, generally, they prefer sunnier spots. They can be placed under direct or indirect sunlight as long as the plant has exposure to enough sunlight.
Venus flytraps can also live indoors in a sunny window or with access to supplemental lightings, such as plant lights. High output fluorescent lights or LEDs are suitable candidates. These solutions are practical and economical. I use this small plant light (which cost me less than $30) to grow three very healthy Venus flytraps.
Venus flytraps thrive in humid environments. These plants need to be water constantly. The ground must be moist after watering. Then it can rest for a few days. And when the soil is less humid, water it again.
Besides proper lighting and watering, there are many more care considerations for Venus flytraps. You can download a complete Venus flytrap care sheet from this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide (plus care sheet).
How to Feed a Baby or Young Venus Flytrap
The easiest way to feed a Venus flytrap is to place the plant outdoors. Venus flytraps are effective predators and can capture their own food. Still, in some cases, owners need to take charge of the feeding.
When feeding young or baby Venus flytrap, you have two options: employ live prey or dead prey. Venus flytraps can consume both kinds, but the feeding process varies.
Live Prey Option
If possible, employing live feed is the most effective options.
1.- Obtain suitable prey: You need to employ a live bug that is no larger than 1/3 of the size of the trap you attempt to feed. Wingless fruit flies are a suitable candidate as they are small in size (3/16 inch).
This step is challenging but crucial. Do not attempt to use a large bug. Always select a bug small enough to fit in the trap. If not, the plant will be unable to digest it and end up losing leaves.
2.- Learn about the closing stimuli: Inside each of the lobes in a trap, there are three thin filaments arranged in a triangular pattern. The filaments are commonly called trigger hairs. The leaf closes when something has come in contact with the trigger hairs twice within a short period. The picture below shows the trigger hairs.
Venus fly trap trigger hairs
3.- After obtaining appropriate food and detecting the trigger hairs, you must place the bug inside the trap and ensure it closes. The trap will close if it receives the stimuli.
There two methods I recommend. First, you can place the bug in the middle of the traps right on top of some of the trigger hairs. I grab the bug with some tweezers and drop in gently. Then, The bug on its own is very likely to produce the stimuli.
The second method is my backup. In this case, I use the same type of bug, but now I employ a thin and soft paintbrush. I place the bug inside the traps and immediately use the paintbrush and make a brushing motion inside the lobes. The trap should close due to the movement.
4.- Observe the trap start the digestion process: Now, the bug will try to escape, but its motion inside the trap will only make things worse. The additional stimuli will activate the special glands inside the leaves. The glands secrete enzymes that drown and digest the prey.
Dead Prey Option
Now let’s learn how to employ dead prey. The video below explains in detail how to feed dead bugs to a Venus flytrap. The video features some adult venus flytraps. It should give you a good idea of the process. Still, you must read the steps below the video for some information specific to young flytraps.
1.- Buy dead prey: Most pet stores and some supermarkets carry dead bug feed. You can choose between dried up crickets, mealworms, or bloodworms. All three are suitable options.
2.- Prepare the bugs: Grind the bugs and add a few drops of distilled water until you obtain a paste. Drain excess moisture if necessary.
3.- Select an appropriate portion: Select a small amount of food that can fit entirely inside the trap. The quantity must not be larger than 1/3 of the size of the trap.
4.- Place the food inside the trap: Use a tool or your hands to lay the food inside the lobes gently. For best results, aim for the center of the trap.
5.- Stimulate the trap to close: Stimulate the trigger hairs inside the traps by touching them with your hand, a paintbrush, or a small tool. Make sure the trap closes.
6.- Continue to stimulate, but from the outside: Once the trap is almost closed, you must continue to stimulate to trick the plant into believing it caught live prey. I suggest using your hands for young Venus flytraps. Even soft tools can damage the plant.
Use your fingers to tap the lobes of the plant together in a pulsing motion. Repeat until the trap is fully closed. It usually takes 30 seconds to a minute of stimulation.
After completing step 6, your plant will start digesting the food.
Live Feed vs Dead Feed
I recommend the live prey option because the leaves of young and baby flytraps are delicate and small. Employing the extra pressure on the leaves when using dead feed can damage them and ending up harming the plant. You must be extremely gentle, and even if you are, the plant can suffer. The live feed option is harmless as long as the bug is the right size.
Besides what you learned in this article there are some additional considerations you must follow when feeding a Venus flytrap. This other article gives you a complete overview of the feeding process: How to Feed a Venus flytrap.
There are a few different options you can implement to water a Venus flytrap. When I first started caring for Venus flytraps, I had many questions about the watering process, especially the strategy of letting them sit in water.
Venus flytrap pots sitting in water is a suitable method to provide enough moisture levels. Place the plant pot in a tray and fill the tray with a maximum of 1 inch of water. Watering them from the bottom prevents overwatering and encourages root growth.
Watering Venus flytraps from the bottom is an effective method. But, it must be done correctly to ensure the health of the plant.
Should Venus Fly Traps Sit in Water
Placing Venus flytraps in trays of water is a common practice since Venus flytraps require a continuously humid media. Still, many sources suggest Venus flytraps prefer not to be placed in standing water, which is also true.
Venus flytraps can sit in water, but they should not remain in the same water for extended periods. For that reason, when placing them on a tray of water, the water level should never exceed one inch in depth.
When you let Venus flytraps sit in water, you are watering the plant from the bottom. The potting media is slowly soaking the moisture, and the roots strengthen to reach the bottom of the pot and have access to water.
How to Water Venus Flytraps From the Bottom
Venus flytraps are accustomed to nutrient-free environments; they cannot process nutrients from the ground or water. Therefore, they can not be watered with regular tap water or bottled water. Those two water sources usually contain too many nutrients or minerals for carnivorous plants.
To water a Venus flytrap, always employ pure water sources: distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Watering a Venus flytrap from the bottom is an effective method. But using the incorrect water can kill your plant very quickly.
Now, let’s learn how to build a setup to water Venus flytraps from the bottoms. Here are the instructions:
Gather your Venus flytrap in its pot, a gallon of distilled water ( you can employ rainwater or reverse osmosis water too), and a shallow tray big enough to bit the plant pot.
Place the plant pot on top of the shallow tray.
Pour the pure water sourced described in step one in the tray. Fill up the trap until the water is 1 inch deep.
Do not water again until the tray has dried up. Then, fill up the tray again to reach a maximum of one inch.
Repeat the process.
Venus flytraps are not aquatic plants. They should not live in swamp-like conditions. The method described in this section provides the amount of water Venus flytraps require without creating a soggy environment.
The picture below shows a Venus flytrap sitting in water. The 1-inch maximum prevents the ground from sitting on standing water for too long.
If you would like to learn more about watering Venus flytraps in general, you might want to read this article: Venus Flytrap Watering Procedure: Source, Frequency, and Tips. It contains all the information you need to know about Venus flytrap watering.
The Benefits of a Venus Flytraps Sitting in Water
Venus flytraps can be watered from the top or the bottom. Both are effective methods. I prefer placing my plants in a tray of water due to a few reasons:
Avoid Soil compression: When watering from the top, soil tends to compress. The compression is not instant, but over time, the soil compacts. Compacted soil prevents healthy root growth and impedes drainage.
Prevent overwatering: Almost everyone that has owned plants is guilty at some point of overwatering them. Generally, it is much easier to overwater a plant than to underwater it. By using the tray method, you are far less likely to overwater your venus flytrap.
Consistent moist environment: I have lost a few plants due to excessive heat. Even though I try to water them often enough, some summers can be tough on plants. For example, when Venus flytraps do not receive enough water, they look droopy and can dry up and die. It is difficult to remember to water them so often, so I resort to water them from the bottom and always have a reserve.
Added humidity: The water in the tray provides extra moisture in the environment. It might not be necessary for the plant’s survival, but Venus flytraps do appreciate it.
Tips For Watering From The Bottom
You have learned all the benefits from water Venus flytraps from the bottom. But, all of those benefits only exist if you follow the correct procedures. I have summarized some useful tips to ensure you always water your plant correctly.
1.- Employ well draining soil
Venus flytraps require a humid environment to thrive, but the water within the potting media must continuously drain the soil. For best results, employ potting media that contains moss, either peat or sphagnum, and a draining agent. Perlite or sand are both great candidates. They help aerate the soil and prevent rotting. You can mix a moss with a draining agent at a 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 ratio, or something in between. The mix does not have to be exact as long as it contains at least 10% of sand or perlite.
2.- Use tall pots for your plant
Venus flytraps can develop very long roots. Tall pots assist Venus flytraps and promote root growth. Mature Venus flytraps can be potted in 6 inch deep containers. Such depth provides enough vertical space for the roots while stimulating growth.
3.- Test the soil moisture levels
Watering from the bottom is a useful practice that keeps the ground moist at all times. Still, the soil should never be soaking wet. You can test the moisture level by pressing on the soil. Make sure the ground is moist, but it is not flooded.
4.- Plastic, Styrofoam, and Glazed Ceramic are good tray materials
Just like with pots, Venus flytraps prefer materials that do not leach any compound into the ground. Unglazed ceramic, clay, or metal tens to cause problems for Venus flytraps. The trap you employ to water your plant should also follow the same considerations.
Plastic, styrofoam, and glazed ceramic trays are appropriate.
5.- Avoid overwatering to prevent algae and potential rotting
Watering from the bottom prevents potential problems with rotting and algae. Still, sometimes Venus flytrap owners overwater their plant by always keeping the tray full of water. Overwatering can lead to the development of algae in the ground and water. Algae won’t hurt the plant, but the green coloring is not very appealing.
Another issue that arises from overwatering is root rot. Root rot is serious, as it can kill the plant. You can read about root rot in this article. It will help you detect if your plant is suffering from rotting and guide you on how to fix it.
6.- Change the watering frequency through the seasons
Temperature changes will affect the watering frequency. When growing Venus flytraps outdoors, remember some of the water will evaporate, especially in the summer months. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Always wait until the tray dries up before watering.
Watering Venus Flytraps Before Traveling
The water tray method is not the only practice. Some Venus flytrap owners water their plants from the top regularly to provide appropriate moisture levels. Still, when leaving your plants for extended periods, the water tray method is sometimes the only choice.
Sometimes you can ask a neighbor or a friend to water your plants when you are gone, but it is not always a viable solution.
During the summer, I water my carnivorous plants very often. Every two to three days, I have to refill the trays. In the winter, I only have to refill the water once every five days or even a week.
Depending on the season, you can weigh in some alternatives on leaving your plants alone. During short trips (a few days to 2 weeks), you can fill up the water tray higher than usual, to 2-3 inches. Filling up the tray to such depth is not a sustainable practice, but it can be a solution when there are no other options.
The soil of a Venus flytrap should never dry completely. If you leave a plant without enough water, it can dry up and die. Overwatering the plant for a few days can create damage, but it won’t will it immediately. In most cases overwatering for a short time won’t cause any issues at all.
Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants. They consume insects and spiders through their leaves. But what about the waste? Do Venus flytraps poop or excrete in a certain way?
Venus flytraps do not excrete or poop like animals. They do not have a digestive system; therefore, they are not capable of excreting solid waste. Venus flytraps absorb the nutrients bugs they consume through their leaves. They process the soft tissue from the victim and leave behind the exoskeleton.
Venus flytraps do not poop, but they leave some matter behind from their prey. Learn how to deal with this when growing Venus flytraps at home. Also, in this article, I will explain how Venus flytraps consume bugs.
Do Venus Flytraps Poop?
Venus flytraps do not require insects to survive. They can live their whole life without capturing a single bug. But, extracting key nutrients from prey supplements their diet and boosts their growth.
Venus flytraps capture bugs to extract key nutrients. They capture them inside their leaves and employ enzymes to break up the soft tissue. Then, the lobes absorb nutrients from the victim.
The digestion process of Venus flytraps takes several days or even weeks, depending on the size of the bug. After the process is complete, the lobes reopen, exposing some leftover matter.
Venus flytraps do not poop or excrete. They are plants. However, due to their carnivorous nature, they leave some solid matter behind. That matter is not poop, but some might consider it to be something analogous.
One of my Venus flytraps after finishing a meal
Venus flytraps can absorb nutrients from soft tissue, but they are unable to break up the skeleton of the bug. For example, Venus flytraps have trouble digesting beetles with thick exoskeletons.
What Happens to the Waste?
In the wild, the waste is washed off by the rain, or it slowly decomposes. Wild Venus flytraps grow in South Carolina and North Carolina Exclusively. There, rain is common and can wash-off the waste from the traps of Flytraps. If the rain does not clean up the lobes, bacteria from the ground will decompose the dead matter.
At home, the waste is eliminated through those same two options. Outdoor Venus flytraps have access to rain and more microorganisms. In contrast, indoor plants can remain long periods with waste on the leaves.
Does the Waste Smell?
The matter left behind after digestion eventually starts rotting and decomposing thanks to microorganisms. But, it can take a long period to eliminate the waste.
The bug carcasses can smell. But, the odor has low intensity due to its size. Venus flytraps consume small bugs. Their traps barely reach 1 inch at maturity. And the plant can only capture little bugs that fit entirely in the traps.
The waste left behind by a trap can emit odor. However, the smell is much more intense when a trap dies off before completing the digestion process. Then, the victim’s body stays inside the leaf and starts rotting. Since the process is not complete, the bug has a lot more soft tissue that must decompose to disappear entirely.
The waste left by the plant is not harmful. Bacteria or mold (this is how you can get rid mold) might be attracted to the bug carcasses. However, microorganisms will only feed themselves with the dead tissue; they won’t harm the plant.
Prevent Unwanted Odor from Venus Flytrap “Poop”
Are you growing Venus flytraps at home? or planning to? Well, after reading this article, you might be discouraged. Imagining the leftover bug carcasses all over your plant is not very appealing. But, do not jump to conclusions. In this section, I will guide you through some clear recommendations to prevent unwanted odors.
Grow Venus Flytraps Outdoors
Venus flytraps thrive when they grow outdoors. There they have plenty of access to sunlight and bugs. It is much easier to fulfill the plant’s lighting requirements outdoor and indoors. For that reason growing Venus flytraps outdoors is a very common choice. Also, if you worry about unwanted odors, coming from the insect remains, then this is a straightforward solution. Outdoors, the waste will decompose faster and you won’t sense any type of smell.
When Venus flytraps complete the digestion process, the risk of unwanted odors is very slim. Since there is not much left over after breaking up the soft tissue of the victim, you are very unlikely to be able to sense any smell.
The problem arises when the plant is unable to process a bug. When feeding a Venus flytrap, make sure to follow the correct procedure, and you will avoid losing leaves and harming the plant. Here are the basic instructions:
Select prey that can fit entirely inside the lobes of a leaf: Venus flytraps must close completely before starting the digestive process. When bugs are too large, the plant cannot digest in an appropriate timeline and the leaf withers. Large bugs are not necessary. Small insects such as ants or gnats provide enough nutritional value for mature plants.
Avoid insects with hard shells: Venus flytraps consume a wide variety of insects and spiders. However, some bugs are easier to digest than others. Avoid employing insects with hard shells to minimize waste.
Do not overfeed the plant: Venus flytraps do not need enormous amounts of food to thrive. Just by consuming a single bug every couple of months, they are healthy. Feed your Venus flytrap once every four to six months to avoid killing any leaves.
Only feed one trap at a time: One single bug can provide enough nutrients for the plant. You only need to feed one trap to provide for the plant.
The items above are just some basics of feeding Venus flytraps. Before you start feeding your plant, make sure to learn more about it. You can get all the information you need in this article: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide.
Do Not Feed the Plant
Technically, Venus flytraps do not require bugs to survive. If you are concern about having to deal with or even see bug carcasses, you can skip feeding your plant altogether. However, you must remember, Venus flytraps can capture prey on their own.
Even if your plant lives indoors, it can still capture prey. Capturing bugs is a challenge for indoor plants, but you should never be surprised if the plant catches a random fly, gnat, or other bugs that were wandering around. I grow some of my carnivorous plants indoors, and on many occasions, I notice they have capture prey without my help.
Owning a Venus flytrap should be an enjoyable experience. Many people do not enjoy feeding their plants because they find the process gruesome. And that is ok. If you are not fond of the idea of seeing dead bugs in your plant’s leaves, avoid feeding it. Your plant can still capture prey, but the probability of it emitting odors is much lower.
Trim Dead Leaves
Sometimes due to feeding or the natural leaf cycle, a Venus flytrap can lose leaves while consuming a bug. The leaf withers with the bug inside of it. The dead bug rots and can emit odor. Trim the leaves that contain rotting bugs.
Employ a small pair of scissors and chop of the black part of the leaf that contains the bugs. There is no harm in trimming the plant. And removing the rotting matter prevents potential smells.
Some people manually remove the waste from their plants to avoid seeing or smelling it. It is not necessary to remove the waste from a health perspective. Your plant will continue to be healthy without following this method. However, because of aesthetics, some people remove the dead bug waste. I do not personally employ this practice, but I wanted to make you aware of it.
To extract the dead bugs, employ tweezers or a stick to push it out of the traps. Be careful when removing the waste. Do not touch the trigger hairs inside the trap, or the lobes will close. You can use water to soften or loosen up the bug. However, do not expect it just to wash off. In most cases, the waste is attached to the walls of the leaf.
Many questions arise when you decide to feed your Venus flytrap. In this article, I will share with you information about feeding ants to Venus flytrap.
Venus flytraps can consume a wide range of insects and spiders, including ants. In their natural habitat, Venus flytraps consume ants often. Ants provide appropriate levels of nutrition for Venus flytraps.
In this article, you will learn how to feed ants to your Venus flytraps and some food alternatives. Ants are suitable food for Venus flytraps, but what about other options that provide a higher nutritional value?
If you would like to learn about Venus flytrap care, read this free care guide where I share how I grow healthy Venus flytraps.
Can Venus Fly Traps Eat Ants?
Venus flytraps consume ants regularly. The name “flytrap” can be deceiving. Venus flytraps do not rely solely on consuming flies. They eat a wide variety of insects and spiders, such as slugs, beetles, gnats, mosquitos, caterpillars, worms, crickets, flies, and, of course, ants.
Most ant species are small enough to fit inside the leaves of a Venus flytrap. Venus flytraps sometimes struggle to capture bugs that are too large for their leaves. Ants are an appropriate size for most young and mature plants.
How Are Ants Attracted to Venus Fly Traps?
The Venus flytrap produces sweet nectar in the inside section of its leaf lobes. The sweet nectar attracts potential victims, including ants.
Venus flytraps are small plants. Some of their leaves grow very close to the ground; others stand up tall. Due to their size and shape, ants are likely to walk near the traps and sense the sweet smell.
Why Venus Flytraps Eat Ants and Other Bugs?
Venus flytraps produce their food through the photosynthesis process. They do not need bugs to survive. But, since they cannot process nutrients from the soil, they capture and consume insects to supplement their diet. A Venus flytrap could live their whole life without ever consuming a bug. But, it is beneficial for the plant to boost their diet with insects.
Venus flytraps developed their carnivorous nature due to the characteristics of their natural habitat. Natively, they grow in ecosystems with very poor soil, which lacks nutrients.
How to Feed Ants To A Venus Flytrap
Feeding ants to your Venus flytrap is not a difficult task, but you do have some options.
First, is your Venus flytrap an outdoor plant? Does it live in your garden or porch? Well, if your plant lives outdoors, it will have plenty of access to feed on its own. And ants will very likely be part of that menu. Outdoor plants do not need any supplemental feeding. But, even though your plant doesn’t need your help with the feeding, you can provide some bugs for it every once in a while.
Indoor Venus flytraps have a lot less access to bugs compared to outdoor plants. Indoor plants will need help from their owners to receive key nutrients from prey.
I created this Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide for a complete overview of the feeding process. Feel free to take a look!
Live vs Dead Ants
You can employ live or dead bugs to feed your plant.
Using live ants is sometimes a challenge because ants are small, delicate, and fast. If they escape, it won’t be easy to recover them. But, since you can find ants all over most gardens, I guess you could capture multiple ones. Also, because of their small size, live ants can escape from inside the traps before the plant has completely closed.
I recommend employing dead ants instead of living ones. I tried using live ants before and ended up killing them anyways during the handling process.
Still, it is your choice. Live and dead bugs provide nearly the same nutritional value to your plant. So, it all depends on personal preference.
Feeding Process: Step by Step
Here are the step by step instructions for the feeding process:
1.- Obtain the ant that you will be employing. The victim should be small enough to fit inside the selected trap of your plant. A good rule of thumb is to choose prey that is 1/3 of the size of the trap or smaller. Most ants should fit this rule, but double-check anyway.
2.- You must identify the trigger hairs inside the lobes of the trap. Each leaf is made up of two lobes. And each lobe has three trigger hairs arranged in a triangular pattern. The leaf will only close if the trigger hairs receive two stimuli in a short period. You (or the bug) have to touch them twice for them to close.
When I employ small insects such as ants for my Venus flytraps, I am the one that stimulates the trigger hairs. I use tweezers or chopsticks to hold the bug, and after placing it inside the leaves, I use the same tool to brush the trigger hairs softly. Then, the trap closes.
3.- Now, it is time to place the bug inside the scary jaws of a Venus flytrap. Consider employing a tool such as tweezers or chopsticks to hold the bug. Or grab it with your hands.
Place the bug inside the traps. Aim for the center. And immediately use the tool or your finger to stimulate the trigger hairs. Then, the trap will close with the bug still inside.
Make sure to remove your fingers and any tool you might be using before the trap closes.
4.- After the trap closes, the cilia in the lobes will be intertwined, but the lobes won’t close fully shut. The plant is waiting for further stimuli before it closes completely. At this point, live ants will try to escape, but their motion inside the traps will stimulate the trigger hairs further. The continuous stimuli produce a signal which makes the trap close completely and start digesting the bug.
Dead ants won’t provide the appropriate stimuli. So, you must complete this extra step:
Use your finger or a soft tool to press the sides of the traps. Exert gentle and consistent pulses until the trap has fully closed. The pressure taps will trick the plant into believing it caught live prey. Once closed, the lobes start digesting the bug.
5.- Observe the trap and assess your success. The digestion process takes several days and, in some cases, a few weeks. Monitor the leaf and verify the process was completed successfully.
If the feeding was successful, the plant consumes the ant over the next few days or weeks. Then, the trap reopens and exposes the empty carcass. Sometimes the plant struggles to digest the bug. In those cases, the leaf won’t reopen. Instead, it will start to wither.
Some people find great success when employing ants; others struggle and end up losing leaves. Monitor your plant and determine if ants are the right choice for your plant. If they are not, do not get discouraged. Instead, consider employing other insects, like the ones described below.
Venus Flytrap Feeding Basics
I hope you found the steps for the feeding process useful. Make sure to learn some more about feeding your Venus flytrap before you get started. Here is a summary of what you need to know:
Only feed Venus flytraps bugs that can fit entirely inside the traps.
Do not overfeed the plant. Feeding it once every 4 to 6 six is an appropriate frequency.
When feeding the plant, only feed one trap of the whole plant at a time.
Dormant Venus flytraps do not need to be fed at all
Other Food Alternatives
Venus flytraps extract key elements such as Nitrogen, Potassium, Sulfur, and Phosphorus from the bugs they consume. Ants are small, but they contain enough nutritional value to supplement the plant’s diet. However, other insects have higher amounts of protein.
Bloodworms, mealworms, and crickets are highly nutritious options for carnivorous plants. They are commonly available in pet stores for reasonable prices, and they can last for months if opting for the freeze-dried version.
Employing ants have two significant drawbacks. First, the insect is tiny, and the amount of meat is limited. Second, garden ants might be exposed to harmful pesticides.
There is some misconception about what Venus flytraps can consume. Some people believe meat or hamburger are suitable meals for their plant. However, there are some better options.
Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants; they can consume meat from insects or more complex animals such as small birds, frogs, or lizards. Even though Venus flytraps are capable of consuming meat from several sources, the most suitable food options are insects and spiders.
Venus flytraps are unique plants. They can consume meat! But, should you feed your plant with hamburger meat? or maybe chicken? In this article, I will explain why some food options are better than others and ultimately introduce you to the best food options.
Can Venus Flytraps Eat Meat?
Venus flytraps can consume meat. They are carnivorous plants, not solely insectivorous plants. In the wild, the diet of a Venus flytrap relies mostly on insects. Still, on rare occasions, they might capture other beings such as small amphibious or birds. Some plants might digest complex organisms, but their effectiveness will depend on the plant’s size.
Since Venus flytraps are small plants, they never capture large organisms. Adult traps reach a size of 1 inch, which is big enough to capture a wide variety of bugs, but not large animals.
When a Venus flytrap captures any prey, the plant starts producing enzymes and digesting the prey inside its leaves. The plant’s objective is to obtain nutrients from the prey and supplement its diet.
Venus flytraps could have evolved to exhibit larger traps. But instead, they grew to develop a successful trapping mechanism with small traps. Even though Venus flytrap can consume flesh, they can fulfill all of their nutritional needs by consuming bugs.
What Happens When You Feed Meat to Venus Flytrap
Some Venus flytrap owners experiment by feeding their plant with meat, either raw or cooked. However, none of those options are beneficial for the plant.
You can certainly attempt to feed your plant with a piece of meat. The plant can close and start digesting the food. And, the Venus flytrap will extract some nutrients from the meat. But due to its complexity and high-fat content, the plant won’t digest it completely. Feeding meat to Venus flytraps will make them lose some of their leaves and potentially affect their health.
Usually, a Venus flytrap captures prey and start digesting it right away. The digestion process is lengthy. The plant takes weeks breaking up the victim. Sometimes the plant is unable to digest the prey in an acceptable amount of time. In that case, the plant loses interest. Then, the trap containing the food will start to wither and die.
Venus flytraps lose leaves when they consume a bug that is too big for them. Also, when they are unable to process the food due to their composition. Feeding your plant with raw meat or hamburger meat will kill one of its leaves.
In the wild, a withered leaf containing a rotting insect will decompose quickly. Microorganisms in the ground start feeding in the rotting victim until it disappears. At home, it can take months or even years for a piece of meat to decompose on its own. The rotting food will not only attract pests that can harm the plant, but it will stink.
If you are growing Venus flytraps indoors, it will be a big struggle to deal with the potential smell of rotting food. Eventually, you will have to trim the plant and remove the source of the odor.
Main Takeaway: As a general practice, feeding meat to a Venus flytrap is not the best option. Even though cooked or raw meat provides nutrients, there are more negatives than positives for employing meat as a food source. The plant will lose leaves, and the unprocessed food will attract pests.
What About Other Human Food
Meat is not the best food source for Venus flytrap, but what about human food such as chicken, candy, fruit, or rice? I have not tried to feed my plant with any f those foods. But after doing some research, I have found people that have experimented with chicken. All of them obtain the same results: just like with cow-meat, Venus flytraps cannot process chicken complete and therefore lose leaves, and the food continues to rot.
On their core, Venus flytraps are not designed to consume human food. Some contain excessive amounts of protein, others too much sugar. Regardless of the reason, it is not recommended to feed human food to a Venus flytrap. It creates a lot more problems than solutions.
Still, if you were curious and wanted to experiment with meat, for example, I would suggest employing a tiny piece of it to feed the plant. By saying tiny, I refer to a piece that is maybe 1/5 of the size of the trap. Then, you have to keep an eye on the leaf you fed. Observe it for the next weeks. If it withers (which is the most likely probability), trim it with some scissors to prevent pests and unwanted odors,
The Most Suitable Food Options for Venus Flytraps
Human foods are not suitable options for Venus flytrap. But as an owner, you might still be interested in feeding it. In this section, I will introduce you to the most suitable food options for Venus flytraps.
Venus flytraps can easily consume almost any type of insect or spider they can capture. They commonly consume flies, crickets, ants, slugs, caterpillars, mosquitos, beetles, and spiders. For example, in the wild, Venus flytraps capture a large number of ants.
At home, you have two options for feeding your plants:
If your plant is outdoors, there is no need to worry about feeding it. Outdoors, Venus flytraps have plenty of access to feed. They do not need humans to assist. Still, you might want to feed your plant for the fun of it (some people enjoy feeding carnivorous plants, others bear it, and others hate it!). It depends on your taste.
Your plant might live indoors where has no or little access to bugs.In that case, you should consider feeding it to supplement its diet.
Venus flytraps do not need to consume bugs to survive, but feeding the plant will provide an extra boost for their diet. Plants that have access to feed exhibit fast growth rates and healthier appearances.
Venus flytraps can consume dead of live bugs. Some of the best food options for Venus flytraps and carnivorous plants, in general, are crickets, mealworms, and bloodworms. Live or dried crickets are commonly sold in pet stores. Dried up mealworms and bloodworms are also common in pet stores. These three options are very economical. A large container of bugs costs less than $10 and can at you for years. Also, these options are all highly nutritious due to their high protein content. And, Venus flytraps can easily digest these bugs without issues.
There are some critical differences between employing live or dead feed to a Venus flytrap. This article contains the step by step instructions on feeding dead and live prey to a Venus flytrap: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide. Make sure to review it. The process varies slightly, but significantly.
The Basics of How to Feed a Venus Flytrap
Before you feed your plants or buy the insects you will employ, I would suggest reviewing the complete Venus flytrap Feeding Guide. But, to get you started, I have summarized the basics of feeding a Venus flytrap in this list:
For best results, only feed Venus flytraps with insects or spiders. Avoid human food!
You can employ live or dead bugs for feeding. Live bugs are challenging to handle, and dead bugs require a few extra steps.
Outdoor Venus flytraps do not need to be fed; they can capture their own prey.
Employ small bugs for feeding that can fit entirely inside the leaves. A good rule of thumb is to select insects that are 1/3 of the size of the trap or smaller.
Only feed the plant once every four to six weeks.
When feeding the plant, only feed one trap of the whole plant at a time.
In the winter, during dormancy, Venus flytraps do not need to consume any bugs
Owning a Venus flytrap is an enjoyable experience, especially if it is your first time. The scientific name of a Venus flytrap is Dionaea Muscipula. But, you might want to give your plant a creative, funny, or cute name. In this short article, I will share with you some great name options for your Venus flytrap.
I like to name my plants not only because I like them, but due to practicality. All Venus flytraps are the same species, and at no surprise, the plants look very similar one from the other. It is hard to differentiate them and remember when it is time to repot, feed, or propagate them, for example. In my home, each plant has a name that I make sure to write down in the pot or a pot marker with some dates that indicate important information.
Explore the list of names below. I hope you can find the perfect name for your plant. Some names are more feminine; others are more masculine. But since Venus flytraps do not have a specific gender, any should work.
Venus Flytrap Name Ideas
Hannibal
Piranha Plant
Vegetarian
Snap Trap
Toothy
Carnivine (for the Pokémon fans)
Carnivore
Baby Shark
Predator
Alien (some people believe carnivorous plants look like out of this world)
Hungry
Greeny
Shrek (Venus flytraps and Shrek are both green and they can eat)
Snap/Snaps
Little Plant
Little Green
Blushy (the red coloring is just beautiful)
Colorado (another reference to the red color)
Risky Business
Trippy
Bug Catcher
Venus
Sharp
Scout
Flower
Tricksy
Comet
Bug controller
Swampy
Al or Ali
Dino
Damian
Gator or Gator Plant
Oli
Carolina or Carolinas (We should not forget about its origin)
Southern Beauty
Sunny
Lilly
Gal
Guy
Spike
Pet Flytrap
Verdant
Leafy
Robin
Green Doe
Smiley
Grinch
Rouge
Green goblin
I hope you found a name of your liking on the list or maybe just inspiration. Owning a Venus flytrap is many people’s childhoods dream and choosing a name for your plant is fun, but it is just the beginning. Now, you must learn how to take care of your plant.
As a parent, you can consider naming your Venus flytrap, especially if kids are involved in caring for the plant. Small children tend to get more attached and exhibit a greater interest when they connect with an activity. A simple name for a Venus flytrap can encourage children to learn more about the science behind these unusual plants and potentially work on some projects such as feeding the plant, building a terrarium, pollinating flowers, etc.
Carnivorous Plant Name Ideas
Here are some bonus options for Venus Fly Traps and other carnivorous plants:
Truly killer
Carnivora
Savage leaf
Danger bloom
Flora fright
Medusa
Bug killer
Dew
Danger stalk
Carniplant
Menace
Venom bloom
Exterminator
Gobble
Leaf fang
Vortex
Venus Flytrap Care for Beginners
Commonly, Venus flytraps are sold without proper care instructions. Novice Venus flytrap owners struggle to keep their plants alive due to a lack of knowledge and guidance. The section below is a summary of the most crucial care instructions for Venus flytraps. Make sure to review the list entirely and implement it. Then, your plant will be healthy. Also, you can download a Venus flytrap care sheet by visiting this article. The care sheet is a printable PDF document.
Light: Venus flytraps need exposure to plenty of light. Optimally they should receive 12 hours of sunlight, and the minimum is 6 hours of light. The light source might be natural light or artificial lighting (here is an example of a good plant light)
Water type: Venus flytraps must be watered with pure water only, such as rainwater, distilled water, and reverse osmosis water. Tap water and bottled water kill carnivorous plants. You can also use filtered water, but only when removing all minerals with ZeroWater filter.
Watering frequency: the soil of the plant must always remain moist. Always keep the ground humid, but do not flood. Venus flytraps do not grow in swamps.
Soil: Employ nutrient-free soil like this for carnivorous plants. Never employ enriched soil, full of fertilizers. This article covers many soil options for Venus flytraps.
Feeding: Venus flytraps do not need to capture insects to survive, but they benefit from them greatly. Place Venus flytraps outdoors, and they will have plenty of access to food. Also, consider feeding your plant to provide extra nutrients.
Suitable pots: Do not place Venus flytraps in enclosed containers. Venus flytraps prefer standard plant pots with drainage holes (here is a good example). The best pot materials for carnivorous plants are glazed ceramic pots and plastic. Depending on the plant’s size, choose a container that is about 2-6 inches in diameter. Also, preferably employ a tall container. Venus flytraps have long roots.
Repotting: repot the plat once a year to avoid soil compression, fungus, and mold(this is how you can get rid mold).
Trimming: When leaves in a Venus flytrap dry up, they turn black. Black leaves are normal as the plant is continually producing new leaves. Still, you can use a pair of scissors and remove the dead foliage. It is not necessary but beneficial.
Fertilizers: Do not fertilize Venus flytraps. The chemicals in the fertilizers can hurt the plant.
Humidity: Venus flytraps prefer humid climates but can adapt to dry environments. If you live in an arid environment, consider employing a humidifier.
Terrariums: It is possible to grow Venus flytraps in a terrarium. Still, it is very challenging due to the lack of drainage and restrictions with lighting. As a new Venus flytrap owner, avoid terrariums.
Flowers: After reaching maturity, Venus flytraps start producing flowers every spring. In the first year, you own a Venus flytrap, skip the flowering process. Cut off the flower stalks when they appear and prevent the flowers from developing. The flowering process causes strain to the plant. Skipping it allows for further growth and development.
Stress: Do not play with the traps of your plant. Activating those traps for just fun cost the plant a lot of energy. Venus flytraps lose leaves when they undergo stress.
Dormancy: In their natural habitat, Venus flytraps undergo a dormancy period for 2-3 months during the winter. Venus flytraps must go dormant every winter to remain healthy and live for many years. Ensure your plant will experience this resting period by placing them in a cold location. For example, outdoors, in a cold garage, or porch. Venus flytraps go dormant after been exposed to temperatures below 45 F (7 C) for several weeks. They exit dormancy as the climate warms up 2-3 months later.
Are you thinking about growing your Venus flytraps indoors? This guide: Venus Flytrap Indoor Care explains the requirements for lighting, watering, dormancy, and much more…
Fun Projects With Your Venus Flytrap
Feeding: Feeding a Venus flytrap is a unique experience. As a Venus flytrap owner, I encourage fellow carnivorous plants enthusiast to feed their plants. Outdoors plants do not need to be fed, but feeding them won’t harm them. Indoor plants can survive without the bugs, but they will benefit from the extra nutrients. This article can teach you the step by step process of how to feed your plant. Have fun!
Fun pots: Just by browsing around Etsy or other online stores, you can find some unique pots for your plant. When repotting, consider buying a unique plant pot. Are you ready to own a piranha plant? This plant pot I found online is perfect for a Venus fly trap. It resembles the green pipes from Mario games!
Propagation: Are you ready to have multiple plants? You can propagate your plant through many different methods, such as stalk cuttings, seeds, and bulb divisions. This article contains the instructions and methods to propagate your plant: How Do Venus Flytrap Reproduce? – 4 Propagation Methods.
Terrariums: Building a terrarium for Venus flytrap is not a beginner project. Venus flytraps thrive outdoors when they can have plenty of access to light and water. Still, some types of terrariums are optimal for carnivorous plants. For example, Green House type terrariums are great candidates. These terrariums are not sealed; they can be easily open and closed. Each plant inside the container remains in its pot. The plants do not require constant watering as most water remains in the terrarium, and the environment is humid.
Recommended Products for Growing Carnivorous Plants
Finding the best pots, lights, and soil for carnivorous plants is difficult. I have grown carnivorous plants for over 5 years, and these are the products I use. The links will take you to Amazon to view the prices and full specs:
In pictures, most Venus flytrap appear standing upwards, like chasing the sun. However, sometimes, Venus flytraps grow close to the ground or appear droopy. I have grown Venus flytraps for several years, and sometimes I buy plants that look droopy as I know it is just a quick fix. In this article, I will teach you some tricks to stop your plant’s wilting appearance.
Some Venus flytrap varieties tend to grow close to the ground; other Venus flytraps look droopy due to improper growing conditions. For example, plants that do not receive enough sunlight or water start wilting. Venus flytraps require plenty of sunlight and humid soil. Unsuitable growing conditions weaken the plant and endanger its health.
In this article, you will learn how much water and light Venus flytraps need. After implementing a few easy changes when caring for your plant, you will notice a considerable difference in their health.
Why Is My Venus Flytraps Not Standing Up?
In this section, you will determine why your Venus flytrap is looking down. Generally, there are two main reasons: nature or improper growing conditions.
Nature
Not all Venus flytraps stand up tall. Some varieties of Venus flytraps characterize by growing close to the ground. There is only one Venus flytrap specie. However, different variations of cultivars have been developed. Some varieties have unique characteristics such as vibrant colors, bigger traps, or wider petioles. It is common for some Venus flytraps to grow close to the ground and never stand up. Some people call these plants “ground huggers.” This behavior will not affect their health; they are still effective predators.
The picture below shows one of my Venus flytraps. The plant is healthy. It exhibits healthy colors, and it propagated multiple times last summer. As you can notice, the plant does not stand up. It takes a substantial horizontal area due to its growth pattern.
Medium Ground-Hugger Flytrap
If you own one of those “ground hugger” Venus flytrap, do not worry. Not all Venus flytraps look the same. Still, to make sure your plant is healthy all around, make sure to download this free Venus flytrap care sheet. You can go over each item on the list and confirm you are providing a suitable home for your plant.
Improper Conditions
Sometimes Venus flytraps do not stand up due to improper growth conditions. For example, Venus flytraps are often left in store shelves for weeks before someone buys them. In those conditions, the plants do not receive any lighting or water for weeks.
There are 3 main reasons why a Venus flytrap is not standing up:
Not enough water
Improper lighting
Unwanted stress
Venus flytraps require particular conditions to remain healthy. The three items in the list above are not exclusive. Those three factors, either separately or as a combination, can affect Venus flytraps and make them look droopy.
The two pictures below show the before and after of one for one of my Venus flytraps. I bought it in the gardening sections of a hardware store. The plant was still healthy, but the leaves were all droopy due to stress, lack of water, and lighting.
Before
After
How to Fix a Droopy Venus Flytrap
When a Venus flytrap usually stands up, but suddenly is looking down, there are a few ways to resolve it. Make a few adjustments in the lighting, watering, and placement of your plant, and it will be standing up in no time.
Consistent Watering
Now, let’s learn how to water a Venus flytrap appropriately.
First, you can only water Venus flytraps with pure, nutrient-free water. Do not employ tap water or bottled water. Instead, use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Venus flytraps are unable to process minerals or nutrients through their roots. The improper water source can kill them very quickly. In some places where tap water is pure, tap water might be suitable for Venus flytraps. Still, you will need to measure the number of Total Dissolves Solids (TDS) in the water with a TDS meter. A measurement below 50 ppm indicates an acceptable water source.
Venus flytraps require humid environments to thrive. The soil of the plant must always remain moist without exceptions. Venus flytraps suffer when the ground dries up. Water the plant often to keep the soil moist. But please, do not flood the ground (it shouldn’t look like mud or a swamp), but make sure it is watered all the way through. Press the soil with your finger to confirm it is humid. The tip of your fingers should feel the humidity in the ground without getting soaked.
After watering the soil, wait until it is less humid before watering. But do not let the potting media to dry up.
Some plants struggle when watered too often, and Venus flytraps are not an exception. Venus flytraps are prone to root rot when overwatered. Still, it is unlikely due to the plant’s high humidity requirements.
Not enough access to water can hurt Venus flytraps significantly. The plant won’t die instantly, but it will start to weaken, droop, and ultimately dry out. Dry soil is a big no-no for Venus flytraps and most carnivorous plants.
Water Tray Method
The water tray method ensures Venus flytraps are always watered the correct amount. Not too little and not too much. Follow these instructions:
Find a shallow container to serve as a water tray. Preferably, choose a tray that is made up of plastic or glazed ceramic.
Place your plant pot on top of the water tray.
Fill out the water tray with distilled (or rain or reverse osmosis) water. The height of the water should be between half an inch to an inch.
Let your plant absorb the water from the tray. The soil will remain moist, but not damped.
After the tray dries out, refill it.
The water tray method is an effective alternative from only watering from the top. Watering from the bottom prevents overwatering and promotes root growth.
Proper Lighting
A Venus flytrap can start looking down or droopy when it does not receive enough light. Venus flytraps require many hours of sunlight to be healthy. Optimally, Venus flytraps should receive 12 hours of sunlight during the growing season. As a minimum, the plant must be exposed to at least six daily hours of light.
The easiest way to provide adequate lighting for your plant is to place them outdoors. Direct sunlight is optimal for Venus flytraps. Venus flytraps can also live healthy under indirect sunlight if they receive extended periods of light.
Venus flytraps are strong and resilient plants; they can withstand temperatures between 32 F to 95 F. Place your plant in a strategic location where they can receive enough sunlight but without the risk of burning or freezing solid.
It is also possible to provide appropriate lighting indoors. Sunny windowsills are perfect spots for Venus flytraps. They appreciate the light and might even capture some bugs when the windows are open. Besides natural lighting, artificial lighting is an alternative for indoor locations.
High output fluorescent lights or LEDs work well for Venus flytraps. For example, you can employ LED plant lights like this one to grow Venus flytraps. LEDs do not heat up, and they consume little electricity.
After exposing a Venus flytrap to adequate lighting, you will notice a big difference. The plant will stand up (if it usually does), the traps will exhibit bright red colors in the inside section of the lobes. And the traps will grow big and strong. Plants that suffer from light starvation are unable to develop large traps.
Unwanted Stress
Venus flytraps tend to droop or lose leaves when they undergo stress. For example, plants tend to look down for a few weeks after been shipped to a new location. Also, a change in its environment can produce stress.
Follow the advice below to avoid causing unnecessary stress to your plant:
Do not play with the traps of the plant. The trapping mechanism is very complex. The plant spends a lot of energy controlling the traps, and generally, the plant must save as much energy as possible to focus on growing and developing.
Avoid moving the plant to different locations. Venus flytraps prefer step by step transitions to new environments. Only move the plant when necessary.
Keep curious beings such as cats or dogs away from the plant. The bright colors of the plant, together with interesting shapes, attract pets, which might not be very gentle.
Final Thoughts
A droopy Venus flytrap can be a warning sign of poor growing conditions. Still, if the plant is healthy in all other aspects, recovery will be quick. Focus on providing enough light and water to your plant. Also, avoid exerting unwanted stress. After only a couple of weeks under optimal growing conditions, the plant will recover.
Venus flytraps have evolved to be successful predators. In this article, I would like to answer a common question about these amazing plants: How do Venus fly trap work? I have grown carnivorous plants for a few years and enjoy learning about their adaptations. This article describes the predatory and reproductive mechanisms of these plants.
Venus flytraps lure prey inside their traps by producing sweet nectar. If the victim comes in contact with the trigger hairs inside the trap, the lobes close. The victim can try to escape, but the movement provokes the plant’s enzyme production. The enzymes digest the insect, and the leaf absorbs valuable nutrients.
Now, let’s explore the inner working mechanisms of the Venus flytrap to capture and digest prey. In the next sections, you can also learn about reproduction and the origin of carnivorous plants.
How Venus Flytrap Capture and Digest Prey
Venus flytraps are native to only one region in the world. They grow natively in South Carolina and North Carolina in the United States. They only live in those two states, and they are present in wetlands and sandhills.
In their natural habitat, Venus flytrap have plenty of access to sunlight and water, but the soil they grow in is very poor. The ground in nutrient less. Venus flytraps have evolved to adapt to this environment. They produce food through photosynthesis but are unable to gather key nutrients (usually found in the soil) to supplement their diet. As a result, Venus flytraps have evolved to capture insects. The prey they capture provides elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Potassium.
Venus flytrap can consume many different types of prey. Their diet is not restricted to only flies. Venus fly traps often capture slugs, ants, gnats, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, spiders, and many other arthropods. But Venus flytraps are not insectivorous plants, they are carnivorous plants.
Venus flytraps can consume meat. On rare occasions, large Venus flytraps capture tiny frogs, very small rodents of birds and the plant is able to absorb nutrients from those victims too. Still, these occurrences are rather rare.
Venus flytraps are small plants; mature Venus flytraps reach an average trap size of one inch. At that scale, capturing bugs is much more appropriate. Venus flytraps evolved to capture prey. But they did not grow enormously large traps to capture large animals. They kept a small scale, as they can extract all the necessary nutrients from small insects and spiders.
How Venus Flytrap Attract Their Prey
Venus flytraps have modified leaves which act as trapping mechanisms. Each leaf has a petiole section connects to the jaw like structures we call traps. The trap is made up of two lobes.
The colors and scents of the plant are critical to lure potential prey. Venus flytraps exhibit bright green and red colors. Some specific varieties are completely green or completely red. However, those specimens were created in a controlled setting. The standard Venus flytrap is it its majority green. But, the interior of its trap is bright red.
The red color inside the traps mimics the scheme of a flower. Besides the color, Venus flytraps produce sweet nectar inside those traps. Insects get lured to the nectar with a sense of safety, as it resembles a harmless flower.
The Venus Flytrap Trapping Mechanism
Each lobe in a Venus flytrap leaf contains three trigger hairs. Those trigger hairs are arranged in a triangular pattern close to the center of the trap.
When a bug arrives at the trap, it starts consuming sweet nectar. As it moves inside the trap, it might come in contact with those trigger hairs. If the bug stimulates those trigger hairs twice within a short period, then the plant closes. This mechanism is called the double stimuli.
Double Stimuli
The Venus flytrap developed the double stimuli mechanism to avoid closing without reasonable cause. In the wild, Venus flytraps are in contact with the environment. They withstand challenging conditions such as storms, snowfall, and gusty winds. Sometimes rainwater, a twig, a leaf, or any inanimate object can come in contact with those trigger hairs. But, for the plant’s benefits, the traps should not close unless there is a potential victim.
Venus flytraps employ large amounts of energy, activating their traps. The double stimuli mechanism is critical to saving the plant’s energy and livelihood. Each leaf requires two consecutive stimuli to close.
Closing in Two Stages
After the appropriate stimuli, a trap closes in a snap of a second, hopefully (for the plant) capturing the victim. The lobes come together while the cilia in intertwined, but the leaf if not wholly shut at first. The traps close in two stages:
First, the lobes come together, but they do not close completely. The victim can see the exterior or maybe scape if it is small enough to scape in between the cilia, which look like prison bars. At this point, the plant is waiting for further stimuli. Further stimuli take the plant to stage two of its trapping mechanism. Venus flytraps do not consume dead bugs. Their objective is to capture a suitable living victim. Without further stimuli, the plant abandons the effect to consume a bug and reopens.
After receiving further stimuli, the trap closes completely. The cilia continuos to be intertwined, but this time the lobes are sealed airtight. The airtight enclose it critical to keep bacteria out of the digestion process.
Scientists hypothesize Venus flytraps select their prey based on size. They believe one of the reasons why Venus flytraps close in two stages is to release tiny bugs. When a victim is too small, it might not be worth going through the whole digestion process. Even though prey selection is not a proven concept for Venus flytraps, some experiments indicate some promising evidence.
“Among carnivorous plants, the Venus flytrap is of particular interest for the rapid movement of its snap-traps and hypothesized prey selection, where small prey are allowed to escape from the traps (…) ” Understanding the Venus flytrap through mathematical modeling, Sami Lehtinen
Fast Motion
How do Venus flytraps close so fast? The Venus flytrap exhibits one of the fastest motions of the plant kingdom. It is only possible to observe the trapping mechanism in detail with a slow-motion camera.
Initially, while resting, the lobes in the traps are in a convex position (like a hill). Then, once the leaf receives specific electrical signals, the lobes go from convex to concave (a valley). The trap can close at such a high speed due to its shape. In simple terms, the leaves can achieve such fast motion because they work like this kids toy: the rubber poppers (here are some pictures just in case you are unfamiliar with it).
Flytrap Digestion Explained
After a trap has closed completely, the digestion can start. At this point, the victim is still alive, but not for long. The lobes of the trap contain special glands that produce enzymes; the enzymes are meant to break up the insect. As the insect continues to generate stimuli, the special glands produce enzymes.
The enzymes start pumping into the leaves until the trap is filled complexly. The bug eventually dies drowned in the enzymes and the plant starts breaking up the body and absorbing nutrients. The enzymes are able to break up all the soft parts, of the insect, but it takes a long time.
Venus flytraps take one to two weeks to digest one single insect. The traps act as external stomachs. They break up the prey with enzymes and absorb the nutrients. Then, after the plant has finished, the trap reopens. In most cases, you can observe some of the remains of the victim. The enzymes in the leaves can break up the soft tissue of the bug, but it is unable to consume the exoskeleton. In the wild, the bug pieces wash off or get blown up by the rain or wind.
Feeding and Photosynthesis
The feeding process is important for the plant’s development but is it not critical. Venus flytraps capture bugs and absorb key nutrients to supplement their diet. However, Venus fly traps exist due to photosynthesis. Like other plants, carnivorous plants also produce their own food. They do not need to capture bugs to survive as they can live happily producing their own food through photosynthesis.
Consuming bugs boost the plant’s diet and encourages growth but is not a necessity. Also, Venus flytraps do not need to consume large amounts of bugs to exhibit positive effects. Consuming a single bug once a month or once every few months is enough for the plant.
Curious Color Changes
Venus flytraps have a unique characteristic; they change color based on their necessity. Most Venus flytraps you see in photos characterize by bright green and burgundy colors. However, this coloring scheme can change. For example, the red coloring in the traps can fade.
One of the main requirements for growing Venus flytraps is access to plenty of sunlight. In optimal conditions, Venus flytraps should receive 12 hours of sunlight every day. These plants require light to produce fuel through photosynthesis. Without appropriate lighting, Venus flytraps are unable to develop correctly. When Venus flytraps are not receiving enough lighting, they lose the red color inside the trap. The red might fade or disappear altogether. The changes are more apparent in new leaves.
The increase in green coloring is the plant’s defense mechanism. Without the red lobes, the plant has a larger green section focused on photosynthesis. But the color changes are not permanents. When the plant starts receiving appropriate lighting, the lobes will start regaining the red pigment.
Venus Flytrap exhibiting bright red pigments
Bright red lobes are a sign of health. The plant has plenty of access to light, and it is ready to focus on its second priority: capturing bugs.
The color changes described in this section are commonly observed on Venus flytraps. However, some specific varieties of Venus flytraps do not experience any color change. Some types are already entirely green, and others are entirely red. Besides, some Venus flytrap varieties are known for exhibiting very bright colors, especially in the lobes. Others have more soft colors.
Venus Flytrap Reproduction Mechanisms
Venus flytraps reproduce through multiple methods.
Venus flytrap can propagate through flower pollination, bulb divisions, leaf cuttings, and stalk cuttings. The first two methods occur in the wild without any help from humans.
This section will cover two of these methods: flower pollination and bulb divisions. The other two methods are explained in this article: How Do Venus Flytrap Reproduce? – 4 Propagation Methods. Make sure to read it if you are interested in Venus flytrap propagation.
Flower Pollination
In the spring, mature Venus flytrap produce flowers for reproduction. Like other plants, they rely on pollinators to fertilize the flowers and produce seeds.
Have you ever wondered how do Venus flytrap flowers get pollinated? What happens if the Venus flytrap eats the pollinating insects instead? Wind and rain also fulfill the role of pollinators. But what about insects. Is it safe for them to pollinate those flowers?
The flowers of Venus flytraps do get pollinated by insects. The plant had adapted to provide a welcoming environment for potential pollinators. Generally, the plant avoids consuming pollinators.
Observing a Venus flytrap during the flowering process is unique. You do not only have the majestic traps but now you also have pretty flowers. The flowers and the leaves give a fantastic look, but they are not close together. The traps stay close to the ground. The flower stalks, on the other hand, grow tall way above the traps, as shown in the picture below.
Rhizome Division
Venus flytraps also propagate through rhizome division, which is a type of vegetative reproduction. In the spring or early summer, a mature plant can extend its roots and create a bulb root that eventually separates from the parent and becomes a new plant. The new plants arising from rhizome divisions are exact clones from the parents. A single Venus flytrap can propagate multiple times every season, creating dozens of clones after just a few years.
Generally, Venus flytraps have 3 to 7 healthy leaves at a time. A plant that exhibits more than seven leaves might not be a single plant anymore. It can easily be two or a full set of Venus flytraps.
Venus flytrap owners can separate the plants and let them grow independently. The short video below shows a few clips from a Venus flytrap I own. The plant had propagated multiple times. Since the pot was not big enough to hold all the divisions, I decided to divide them and ended up with seven independent plants.
In the wild, Venus flytraps propagate through rhizome divisions, and they produce multiple clones. Even though their roots are independent, most clones end up growing very close to the parent.
The Dormancy Period
Many carnivorous plants require a dormancy period every year. Venus flytraps are one of them. During the winter, Venus flytraps go dormant for 2 to 4 months.
The dormancy period is a resting period similar to hibernation. During dormancy, Venus flytraps change substantially. They lose several leaves, and the plant shrinks in size. Also, their growth stops completely as their main focus is not on growing overground. Instead, the plants focused on strengthening the root system.
In the wild, Venus flytraps enter dormancy in late October or November as the temperatures drop. The plants enter dormancy when exposed to temperatures below 45 F (7 C) for a few weeks. The plant remains dormancy for the next couple of months until the temperatures start rising. Once the temperatures rise in late January of February, the plant exits dormancy.
In the spring, right out of dormancy, the plant will start proliferating. The plant is recharged and ready to start producing new leaves and reproduce.
The dormancy period is essential for Venus flytraps. In their natural habitat, they do not have any issues entering and exiting dormancy. However, in other locations, Venus flytraps need exposure to cool temperatures to experience dormancy every year.
Venus flytraps must go dormant every year. A plant can skip dormancy, and it will be ok. But, skipping dormancy several years in a row will shorten the plant’s life expectancy. Venus flytraps can live for over 20 years with proper dormancy. Without it, they perish after only a couple of years.
How Venus flytrap Work at Home
The Venus flytrap is the best known carnivorous plant. People all over the world own them and research their unique characteristics. In this section, I will explain how Venus flytraps grow at home.
Technically Venus flytraps can be grown outdoors or indoors as long as they have access to some essential elements:
Lighting: At least 6 hours of sunlight (or artificial light)
Soil: Carnivorous plant soil to grow
Water: The plant must be continuously watered with rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water to keep a moist environment.
Comfortable temperature between 32 F and 95 F (0 C and 35 C)
Cold winters for dormancy: Temperatures below 45 F (7 C) for at least a couple of months
To grow a healthy Venus flytrap, owners must attempt to mimic the natural habitat of the plant at home. First, Venus flytraps are unable to handle minerals or nutrients in the ground or water. It is essential to employ nutrient-free carnivorous plant soil and only employ pure water such as distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater. Venus flytraps can adapt to a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. However, they prefer high humidity environments.
Growing Venus flytraps outdoors is much easier as they can have plenty of access to sunlight and possibly reasonable amounts of water through rainfall. Also, in the outdoors, Venus flytraps capture their prey which, as we learned, is not a requirement but can boost the plant’s growth substantially.
It is possible to grow Venus flytraps indoors. However, it is a challenge. The indoor location must have access to natural light, or the owner must build a plant light setup. Also, inside a temperature-controlled environment, the plant won’t achieve dormancy during the winter. Venus flytraps can achieve dormancy indoors, but they need exposure to cool temperatures. Therefore, most people usually place them in a cold basement, porch, or garage.
If you are interested in growing Venus flytraps, make sure you learn about the care considerations for these plants. You can download a complete Venus flytrap care sheet and read an article about it HERE.
Venus flytraps capture bugs outdoors and indoors; it all depends on the insect availability.
Indoors or in greenhouses, carnivorous plants can act as a bug controller. However, Venus flytraps are not the most effective candidates. Venus flytraps only have 3 to 7 healthy traps at a time. They can only capture a maximum of half a dozen bugs at a time. Then, the plant takes a few weeks to digest the insects. Venus flytraps can lower the bug population at home, but they won’t get rid of a plague. Pitcher plants and sticky trap carnivorous plants are more effective in controlling bug plagues.
Large Pitcher plants can hold large amounts of bugs in a single pitcher and act as a bug controller. Carnivorous plants with adhesive traps are also highly effective. For example, the Butterworts and Sundews can capture dozens of bugs at a time.
Sticky trap example: Sundew (Drosera)
Are Venus Flytraps Dangerous?
Venus flytraps pose no harm to humans. They are not poisonous, and they are even edible. Not sure who will eat them, but they are safe. In terms of their jaw-like leaves, the traps in Venus flytraps are too small and weak to harm humans. You can stick your finger inside a Venus flytrap to feel the pressure, but you won’t be very impressed. The trap closes, and you will feel it, but the pressure is not enough to keep you stuck to the plant. Technically, Venus flytraps can consume human flesh. But, due to their size, they can’t consume large animals.
Venus flytraps are not toxic to cats or dogs either. They can get indigestion after eating a Venus flytrap, but nothing else. As a recommendation, place Venus flytrap away from pets. Cats and dogs are sometimes curious about them and might eat them or harm them.
Humans shouldn’t be concern about Venus flytraps being dangerous. On the other hand, humans pose a significant danger to Venus flytraps. They are an endangered species. Their natural habitat has changed substantially over the past decades, and unfortunately, the native population is in decline. Also, Venus flytraps are endangered due to poachers. People in the area remove Venus flytraps from the wild to profit from selling them. Many nurseries and shops grow Venus flytraps in a responsible matter. But, unfortunately, poachers have excessively remove Venus flytraps from the wild, and the population is soaring.
Origins of the Carnivorous Nature
Venus flytraps are only native to a particular area. They grow in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. There they only grow in two regions: the coastal plain and sandhills. Their natural habitat characterizes by inferior soil. Consistent rainfall and sandy grounds drain the nutrients in the earth.
Species of carnivorous plants have developed independently all over the world. They grow in areas that are characterized by a lack of nutrients. Scientists hypothesis carnivorous plants settled in nutrition-less environments due to the lack of competition. In those environments, carnivorous plants had the space to develop and thrive. However, they have evolved to survive. Instead of extracting nutrients from the soil, carnivorous plants, like Venus flytraps, capture bugs. The insects they consume provide all the nutrients lacking in the ground.
Venus flytraps are not the only plants that develop a carnivorous behavior. The Pitcher plant, Sundew, Sarracenia, and Butterwort are also carnivorous plants.
Related Questions
Why is a trap not closing after receiving stimuli?
The traps should close after receiving stimuli. However, two factors can prevent it from closing: The trap is dying or dormancy. The leaves open and close only a certain number of times before they wither. At some point, they will start to dry out. Sometimes it is not apparent than the leaf is drying, but eventually, it will start turning black.
Sometimes traps do not function during dormancy. Venus flytraps have a resting period during dormancy. During this time, the plant is not focused on capturing bugs. The plant loses part of its leaves and the remaining ones might not work for a few months.
Why is a trap closed? And when will it reopen?
A trap closes when it receives the appropriate stimuli. Once closed, the trap might be digesting a bug, or maybe it was unsuccessful at capturing prey, and it is empty. When a Venus flytrap captures prey, it will digest it. It will take several days or even weeks to consume the bug. During digestion, the trap will remain closed at all times. It will only reopen when it is finished.
Sometimes Venus flytraps close, but they will reopen without digesting anything. Maybe the bug scape, or perhaps the trap closed due to an inanimate object activating the lobes. In these scenarios, the plant won’t proceed to digest anything. Instead, it will reopen. There is no exact time, but usually, within 24-48 hours, the plant reopens.
How many times can a trap close?
The traps have a life expectancy limitation. Once a trap has been activated a certain number of times (between 5 and 10), it will reach its life expectancy. Then, the trap withers. This process is normal. Every time a trap withers, a new leaf should be growing from the center of the bulb as a replacement.
For this reason, it is crucial to avoid triggering the traps of the plant unless it is for feeding. Playing with the lobes speeds up the withering process and causes the plant to lose leaves.
Can Venus flytrap consume dead bugs?
In the wild, Venus flytraps do not consume dead bugs, but humans can successfully feed dead insects to Venus flytraps. The problem with dead feed it’s the lack of movement. Venus flytraps reject prey that does not cause any stimuli. However, a method has been developed to feed dead bugs to these plants.
People all other the world own Venus flytraps, and growing them indoors is a common option. Employing dead bugs to feed a Venus flytrap is a practical solution. Also, life and dead prey provide almost the same amount of nutrients; they are both suitable options from a health standpoint.
To feed dead bugs to Venus flytraps, the owner must introduce the bug in the trap and activate the lobes by touching the trigger hairs. The trap will close, but it can lose interest without further stimuli. A way to go around it is to use your fingers or a tool to press the sides of the trap multiple times. Eventually, the plant will close entirely and start producing enzymes as it has been tricked into consuming a dead bug.
Feeding Venus flytraps improperly can harm the plant. This guide can teach you how to feed a Venus flytrap, step by step:
Venus flytraps do not have teeth; they do not bite. The cilia surrounding the traps of Venus flytraps are not teeth or anything meant to chew the victim. Instead, they play a crucial role in locking the lobes. Venus flytraps consume their prey by trapping them inside their leaves. Then, they produce digestive enzymes to break up the bug.
If you stick your finger inside a trap and it closes, you could say the plant bit you. But, in reality, the leaves are more of a stomach than a mouth.
Can Venus flytrap eat human food?
Venus flytraps can digest complex organisms. However, they are not designed to consume human food. It is a big misconception that Venus flytraps can be fed with any food. In the wild, their diet is solely based on bugs. You can introduce human food in a trap and start the digestion process. However, it won’t provide much benefit. The plant will struggle to digest the food. The leaf will likely begin to wither due to the strain, and the food will rot inside a dried-up leaf. And this can cause problems. Rotting food can attract bacteria and mold.
Always abstain from feeding human food to Venus flytraps; do not feed them fruit, candy, chicken, ground beef, hamburger, bread. Instead, stick to an insect-based diet.
Carnivorous plants are fascinating, but they require a particular environment to survive. This article will cover all the details on how to care for carnivorous plants. It includes details about Pitcher plants, Drosera, Venus flytrap, Cobra plants, and more.
Carnivorous plants thrive in humid and nutrition-less environments with plenty of water, sunlight, and access to feed. Temperate carnivorous plants require a dormancy period and tropical carnivorous plants prefer a stable temperature year-round.
Here is a summary of the most critical care tips for carnivorous plants. Continue reading the next sections of the article to get a more in-depth view of each item.
Employ pure water sources for carnivorous plants: distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater.
Expose carnivorous plants to plenty of sunlight.
Water often and keep the soil moist at all times.
Do not overwater. Carnivorous plants are prone to root rot.
Standard potting soil can kill your plant. Only use nutrient-free mineral-free soil.
Place carnivorous plants outside so they can capture bugs or feed them yourself!
Never feed carnivorous plants with human food!
Humid environments are beneficial but not necessary.
Do not fertilize carnivorous plants.
Extreme temperatures can kill your plant. Do not burn them, and do not let them freeze in the winter.
Some carnivorous plants require a dormancy period.
Trimming is optional. Carnivorous plants will lose leaves as they grow. You can trim the dead leaves as they appear.
Avoid terracotta, unglazed ceramic, glass, and metal pots.
Do not plant carnivorous plants in a closed terrarium.
Avoid unwanted stress and motion.
Keep an eye for pests and fungus. Carnivorous plants are prone to the usual suspects!
Now that you read over the primary care tips, you need to learn the in-depth aspects of caring for carnivorous plants. Growing carnivorous plants is not difficult, but small mistakes can accidentally kill these plants.
Carnivorous Plant Care Instructions
1.- Employ pure water sources for carnivorous plants: distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater.
Carnivorous plants live in nutrition-less environments. They are not used to receiving nutrients through the soil or water. Do not water carnivorous plants with tap water or bottled water. They contain too many nutrients or minerals. Instead, employ pure water sources: distilled water, reverse osmosis water, and rainwater.
Technically, you can water carnivorous plants with tap water. It is only safe to do it if the water has less than 50 parts per million (ppm). This measurement refers to the number of dissolved solids in the liquid. You can employ a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter to confirm the ppm readings. However, do not be surprised if the tap water in your home exhibits high levels of minerals or other components.
2.- Expose carnivorous plants to plenty of sunlight.
All carnivorous plants benefit from access to sunlight. They require plenty of light, either indirect or direct. Never place them under complete shade; they will suffer greatly. They must receive at least 4-6 daily hours of light.
Carnivorous plants can be grown outdoors and indoors. However, it is easier to grow them outside as they can have access to sunlight. The only challenge when placing them outdoors is heat exposure due to direct sunlight. You must place these plants under sunlight, but they shouldn’t heat up until they burn. When growing indoors, ensure the plants live on a sunny porch or windowsill. The alternate option besides sunlight is artificial light. High output fluorescent lights and LED plant lights are suitable candidates.
The lighting requirements for Venus flytraps and North American Pitcher plants lower during the winter while they are dormant You will learn all about dormancy in the 10th item.
3.- Water often and keep the soil moist at all times.
Carnivorous plants thrive in humid environments. Keep the soil moist at all times to keep them healthy.
Most carnivorous plants prefer a humid environment, where the soil is moist but not soggy, like, for example, the Venus flytrap. Other carnivorous plants like the Pitcher plant or Sundew prefer more soggy conditions.
An effective way to water your carnivorous plants appropriately is to use the water tray strategy. Place the plant pot on top of a water tray. Then, add about half an inch of water to the tray. Let your plant absorb the water and refill once the container has just dried up. The roots of the plant will “drink” the water, and the soil remains moist at all times. Also, the water in the plate increases the humidity in the environment.
4.- Do not overwater. Carnivorous plants are prone to root rot.
Carnivorous plants benefit from humid environments. But excessive watering can also harm the plant. Carnivorous plants do not like to sit on standing water for long periods. They need water, but it should be flowing at all times.
Since carnivorous plants are prone to root rot, you must always water appropriately. The water tray method is a great option to prevent overwatering. Also, always employ pots with a drainage hole and soil with good drainage. Besides, consider repotting your plant every year to avoid soil compression, which slows down the drainage process.
5.- Standard potting soil can kill your plant. Only use nutrient-free mineral-free soil.
Before you buy potting media for your carnivorous plants, you must forget all you knew about potting soil. In the wild, they grow in inferior soil. Carnivorous plants can not be potted in standard potting soil as they have grown intolerant to fertilizers and minerals from the ground. Instead, you must employ nutrient-free carnivorous plant soil. Nutrients or components in the earth harms them.
You can buy carnivorous plant soil online or make it yourself. Several sellers in Etsy and Amazon offer good quality carnivorous plant soil. It is practical to buy the soil online, but it is expensive compared to the DIY option. Here is how you make carnivorous plant soil:
First, you need one type of moss, either long-fibered sphagnum moss or peat moss, and a draining agent: sand or perlite. The materials you choose must be pure and unenriched. For example, when buying peat moss, avoid Mineral Grow options. Those bags of peat moss are enriched and filled with fertilizers (which kill carnivorous plants. Most nurseries offer nutrient-free moss, perlite, and sand. Just make sure to specify you are looking for nutrient-less media for carnivorous plants.
Here are a few recipes to make carnivorous plant soil:
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
It is possible to grow carnivorous plants in pure peat moss or pure sphagnum moss. However, those potting mediums are not optimal. Without a draining agent, water does not flow properly.
4:1 peat moss and perlite before and after mixing and watering
6.- Place carnivorous plants outside so they can capture bugs or feed them yourself!
Carnivorous plants obtain most of their nutrients through photosynthesis. As a way to supplement their diet, they have developed trapping mechanisms to capture and digest bugs. The insects they consume boost their diet and stimulate growth.
Carnivorous plants can capture their own prey when placed outdoors. The mechanisms they developed to lure bugs are very effective. You do not need to feed outdoor plants, as they have plenty of access to bugs.
Indoors, carnivorous plants need some help from their owners to capture prey. Depending on the access to insects, carnivorous plants might catch bugs indoors, but it is improbable. Consider feeding indoor plants to boost their growth. Carnivorous plants consume various types of insects, such as flies, ants, beetles, crickets, gnats, and slugs. You can buy live or dead feed in most pest stores.
Some examples of suitable carnivorous plant food: bloodworms, mealworms, and crickets.
7.- Never feed carnivorous plants with human food!
There is some misinformation online about feeding human food to carnivorous plants. Carnivorous plants are designed to consume insects and spiders. But, they do not have the capabilities of consuming human food such as fruit, hamburger, candy, and chicken.
Technically, carnivorous plants can digest meat. On rare occasions, large Pitcher plants or Venus flytrap capture a tiny frog or a very young rodent, and they can extract nutrients from them. However, you should never attempt to feed your plant with anything other than bugs. The plant might not be able to digest it. If that happens, the leaves containing the food will wither, and the food will start to rot. It will not only cause unwanted odors, but it can attract bacteria and mold ( this is how you can get rid mold)..
8.-Humid environments are beneficial but not necessary.
In the wild, carnivorous plants live in humid conditions. They are exposed to humidity levels between 50-90% year-round. But they are adaptable to less humid environments.
Carnivorous plants thrive in humid environments, but the humidity is not a decisive factor for all plants. For example, Venus flytraps can adapt to arid environments as long as they are adequately watered. Pitcher plants, on the other hand, might struggle to develop pitchers in dry climates.
If you live in a humid location, then you are all set to grow carnivorous plants. But, if you live in a dry area, I have some solutions for you:
Consider using a humidifier. As long as it runs for consistent amounts of time, the environment will hold more water.
Place the plant pots on top of a water tray.
Mist the plants.
9.- Do not fertilize carnivorous plants.
Novice growers should never fertilize carnivorous plants. The nutrients and minerals in fertilizers can harm the plants and cause mineral burns. Instead of fertilizing, consider feeding the plant. It will have the same effect. However, feeding does not poss the same risk as fertilizing.
Never attempt to fertilize carnivorous plants if you are unsure of the procedure or if the plant is not at optimum health. A safe option to fertilize carnivorous plants is to employ foliar fertilizers. These are the instructions:
Dissolve the foliar fertilizer to decrease its intensity to 10-25%.
Spray the leaves lightly with the dissolved fertilizer.
Do not fertilize carnivorous plants during dormancy.
10.- Extreme temperatures can kill your plant. Do not burn them, and do not let them freeze in the winter.
Carnivorous plants can classify into two types; temperate and tropical. Temperate plants can withstand more extreme temperatures, and they require a dormancy period. Tropical plants are used to a consistent temperature year-round, and they do not require a dormancy period.
Venus fly traps, North American pitcher plants, Cobra plants, and some Sundews are temperate plants. They require dormancy and can withstand colder weather. Generally, follow this advice:
During summer and spring, do not let the plants be exposed to temperatures above 95 F (35 C).
During winter, do not let the plants freeze.
Asian pitcher plants, Sun pitchers, West Australian pitcher plant, some Butterworts, and some Sundews are tropical plants. They do not require dormancy, and they prefer temperate climates.
11.- Some carnivorous plants require a dormancy period.
Now, it is time to talk about dormancy. Some carnivorous plants require dormancy, like for example:
Venus fly traps
North American pitcher plants
Cobra plants
Sundews (some varieties)
Dormancy is crucial for these plants. During this period, the plant rests and prepares to start the growing season. Dormancy is critical for these plants as they will die if they skip dormancy a few years in a row.
Carnivorous plants go dormant when they are exposed to chilly temperatures (45 F / 7 C) at the start of the winter. Then, they should remain dormant for several months. Venus flytraps experience a dormancy that lasts an average of three months. Some drosera species expect 6 or up to 9 months of dormancy. Research about a specific specie of carnivorous plants and learn about their dormancy requirements. They are of crucial importance.
12.- Trimming is optional.
Carnivorous plants will lose leaves as they grow. When leaves start to wither, let them dry up completely. Once they have entirely withered, trim them. Employ scissors and chop them off. There is no risk of removing dead leaves. In the wild, foliage decomposes a lot faster due to the number of microorganisms in the soil. At home, it will take years for the foliage to decompose on its own. It is better to trim it off and provide more space for your plant.
Do not be alarmed when a pitcher starts to wither, or a leaf begins to blacken in your carnivorous plant. As one leaf withers, a new one will begin growing. Only get alarmed an investigate if you notice your plant is losing leaves without growing new ones.
13.- Avoid terracotta, unglazed ceramic, glass, and metal pots.
Some pots are unsuitable for carnivorous plants. Do not employ pots made out of:
Terracotta
Unglazed ceramic
Glass
Metal
Terracotta and unglazed ceramic pots leach minerals to the soil, and those minerals are harmful to the plant. Also, both of those materials tend to absorb water and dry up the environment, defeating the purpose of continually watering to provide a humid medium.
Glass and metal pots do not leak elements to the ground, but they are terrible insulating materials. It is dangerous to pot carnivorous plants in these materials and expose them to direct sunlight. The pots can overheat and boil the plants. Similarly, the materials are dangerous during the winter, as they do not provide insulation against cold weather. Only employ these materials in mild weather.
The best pot materials for carnivorous plants are glazed ceramic and plastic. Both of those materials do not leach any components to the sale, they do not absorb the moisture, and they provide insulation. Also, Styrofoam containers are an alternate option. They offer the same benefits and are inexpensive.
Besides the material choice, make sure the pot you choose has a drainage hole. Without a drainage hole, growing carnivorous plants is exceptionally challenging.
14.- Do not plant carnivorous plants in a closed terrarium.
Growing carnivorous plants in a terrarium is a dream aesthetically, but it can be tough. Carnivorous plants thrive outdoors. When they are placed in an indoor terrarium, they suffer. The only benefit of putting them in a closed terrarium is the high humidity. But, for a single benefit, there are many disadvantages.
Inside a closed terrarium, it isn’t easy to provide enough lighting. The glass acts as a barrier. Also, if placed under direct sunlight, the terrarium heats up and kills the plants inside. Besides, carnivorous plants do not have any access to feed in a terrarium. The humidity in the terrarium is beneficial, but improper drainage and water flow can increase the chances of root rot.
Terrariums are especially harmful to temperate carnivorous plants. Inside a terrarium, carnivorous plants can’t achieve dormancy in the winter. Therefore, they will end up dying after just a few years.
Avoid closed terrariums, especially if you are a beginner carnivorous plant owner. Instead, consider building a greenhouse type terrarium. These terrariums are usually made of large fish tanks. They close, but they can open easily. Each plant has its individual pot and container, so temperate plants can leave the terrarium during the winter and go dormant. If the greenhouse terrarium is big enough, you can place LED lights inside the terrarium to fulfill the plants’ lighting requirements.
15.- Avoid unwanted stress and motion.
Plant lovers consider their plants to be pets. But in reality, most plants do not like to be petted. Constant touching or handling can cause strain on the leaves and bruise them or damage them. Carnivorous plants are no different.
You can touch the plant without harming it. However, it would help if you abstained from playing with the bug-catching mechanisms. Please do not poke the traps in Venus flytraps to close and do not poke Sundews to make them react and fold. Carnivorous plants can’t harm you. They are too small to produce any damage to a human. However, the added stress you impose on the plant can harm it. If you want to observe their carnivorous nature, feed them. Then the plant can obtain nutrients, and you can watch the process.
Place the carnivorous plant in a strategic location where they won’t undergo too much movement. For example, cats, dogs, and small children tend to be amazed by the unique colors and shapes of carnivorous plants, and they can be too rough interacting with the plants.
16.- Keep an eye for pests and fungus. Carnivorous plants are prone to the usual suspects!
Pests and fungus affect carnivorous plants without prejudice. Many different pests can affect carnivorous plants, including some specific for certain species.
Routinely inspect your plant for unusual changes, such as deformities, decoloration, color spots. The solution will vary depending on the problem. Fungus infections can be eradicated with a sulfur-based fungicide; miticide is the answer to eliminate mites. Consult your local nursery for specific fungicides or insecticides.
How to Choose the Right Carnivorous Plant
Before choosing a carnivorous plant, you must analyze your environment. The first factor to consider is dormancy. Choose a temperate carnivorous plant only if you can fulfill the dormancy requirement. Otherwise, consider only tropical plants. Technically, you can grow tropical plants almost anywhere as you can grow them indoors and provide a humid/ warm climate.
These plants are considered to be beginner plants for carnivorous plant growers:
Sarracenia
Venus flytrap
Drosera
The Sarracenia and Venus flytrap both require dormancy and the requirements of Drosera vary. In terms of availability. Venus flytraps are one of the best starter plants as they are sold commercially at a low price. If you choose Venus flytrap, make sure to read this article and learn more about them. The article includes a downloadable care sheet.
After choosing a carnivorous plant, it is time to make another decision: is it better to buy seeds or a plant?
Growing carnivorous plants from seeds is a unique experience as you can ultimately observe the whole growth cycle. However, sowing seeds it risky. The seeds are prone to fungal attacks. Also, the seeds will take a few weeks to germinate. Then, the plants will be tiny, and they will take years to reach a mature size. Only attempt to grow carnivorous plants from seeds if you are patient and very meticulous. The plants will be tiny for a long time.
As a beginner, growing plants is much more appropriate. You can buy a young or mature plant and perfection your setup. After mastering how to care for your plant, then it is time to consider growing them from seeds or through propagation. Mature carnivorous plants produce flowers. The flowers are an opportunity to pollinate them and harvest seeds.
Where to Buy Carnivorous Plants
You can buy carnivorous plants in the following locations:
Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other big-box stores
Local nurseries
Amazon
Etsy
Online nurseries
Big box stores carry carnivorous plants seasonally. They usually only offer Venus flytraps and Pitcher plants. The prices are reasonable, and the quality varies. Some of the plants are excellent specimens but have been forgotten for weeks in a dark self. The positive side of buying your plant in these stores is convenience and transparency. You can see the plant right there and inspect its state.
Forgotten Venus flytrap in Walmart
Local nurseries tend to offer more varieties and better quality plants. However, that is not always the case. As you have learned in this article, caring for carnivorous plants is challenging. They require particular environments. Most nurseries do not specialize in carnivorous plants, and some do not provide proper care.
Amazon and Etsy are suitable options to buy carnivorous plants online. But, between the two, I would suggest Etsy. Amazon does have some options, but there are so many scam sellers, many of them offering fake seeds. I had nothing but good experiences with Etsy. Do a quick search in Etsy for carnivorous plants, and you will find plenty of vendors with thousands of reviews. Do not get too concerned about the shipping; just make sure to be home when the plants arrive. The sellers are experts in the matter, and they know how to ship the plants.
Online nurseries are the final option. When ordering carnivorous plants online, the best strategy is to pick a carnivorous plant nursery. Those businesses are specialized in these plants and can give you all the details and care instructions for your carnivorous plant.
Here are a few good options of carnivorous plant nurseries:
Venus flytraps reproduce through multiple methods. They can propagate in the wild or in a controlled environment. In this article, you will learn the 4 methods to propagate Venus flytraps.
Venus flytraps reproduce sexually through flower pollination and asexually through rhizome division. Growers can also propagate Venus flytraps by employing leaf cuttings and flower stalks.
Venus flytraps reproduce in different ways. Keep on reading this article to get the step by step process of how to propagate your plant. You can end up having dozens of them in no time! Now, let’s cover the four reproduction methods:
Sexual propagation through flower pollination
Rhizome divisions
Leaf-cutting
Flower stalk cutting
Venus Flytrap Sexual Reproduction
Flower Pollination
Venus flytraps can reproduce sexually. Every spring, after achieving maturity, Venus flytraps produce flowers. The plant produces multiple flower stalks. And those flower stalks end in flower bunches.
In general, Venus flytraps grow very fast. And, the flower stalks also grow quickly. Within a few days, the flower stalks surpass the height of the plant and continue to grow. Finally, the flower buds flourish and produce white flowers with green veins.
In outdoor locations, pollinators are attracted to the flowers and fertilize them. Venus flytraps use an intelligent mechanism for consuming the pollinators. The leaves of a Venus flytrap do not extend too far from the ground as they are usually about 5 inches (adults). But, the flowers grow up taller than the traps. With this method, venus flytraps separate prey from pollinators.
Once a flower is fertilized, it will start to wither. The plant dries up and leaves behind multiple tiny seeds.
Venus flytraps are self-pollinating; a flower within the plant can be fertilized with its own pollen or with the pollen of other flower in the plant. The seeds obtain through self-pollination will produce very similar plants to the parent. However, the new plants won’t be exact clones.
The other option besides self-pollination is cross-pollination. In cross-pollination, a flower is pollinated by pollen from a flower in another plant.
Self-pollination vs Cross-pollination
Venus flytraps can both self-pollinate and cross-pollinate. However, some benefits come from each option. Self-pollination allows for more uniform plants. Also, self-pollination capabilities increase the chances of reproduction. However, cross-pollination, due to the genetic variety, produces more vigorous offspring.
How to Pollinate a Venus Flytrap and Harvest Seeds
Now, it is time to learn step by step, how to pollinate a Venus flytrap. Venus flytraps living outdoors might have access to pollinators. But, if you are serious about harvesting seeds, you must pollinate the flowers yourself and ensure your plant reproduces. Here are the step by step instructions:
Let your plant flower.
Gather a suitable tool to pollinate the flowers. Some good options are soft paintbrushes or Q-tips.
Examine one flower and identify the two parts: the anther and the stigma. The anther holds pollen and is located at the end of thin filaments. The stigma is located in the center and is where pollen germinates. The diagram below can serve you as a guide.
Utilize the paintbrush or Q-tip and brush the anther to collect the pollen.
Transfer the pollen from your tool to the stigma. You can transfer it to the stigma of a flower in the same plant or choose another plant for cross-pollination.
Do not stop after pollinating a single flower. Continue to pollinate the rest. The more fertilized flowers, the more seeds you will obtain.
Wait a couple of days to confirm the flowers were pollinated. Fertilized flowers will wither and leave seeds behind.
Examine the remains of the dried up flower and look for the seeds. Each flower produces a few dozens of seeds.
Once you located the seeds is time to extract them. Since Venus flytrap seeds are very tiny, do not attempt to harvest the seeds outdoors on a windy day. The seeds can easily be carried away. Instead, continue the operation indoors. I like to enclose all the remains of the flower in a Ziploc bag. Then, while still in the bugs, I remove the dead tissue and separate the seeds.
Many online shops offer Venus flytrap seeds. It is possible to buy seeds online, but it can be risky. The best way to obtain the seeds is to harvest them yourself. But the cycle does not end with just collecting seeds. It is time to sow them and wait for them to germinate. First, Venus flytrap seeds do not need further preparation before planting. You can grow them directly by following the instructions below.
Light source: You can employ natural light or fluorescent LED plant lights
Sulfur-based fungicide (optional).
Spray bottle
Sowing Instructions
Grab the potting media and moisten it thoroughly. Only use distilled or rainwater. In the end, the medium should be humid all around.
Add the soil to the potting container.
Place the potting container on top of its water tray. Then, add about half an inch of distilled water to the water tray.
Optional: add small amounts of fungicide to the soil.
Sprinkle the seeds in the potting media. Try to spread them out, but do not be too worried about separating all of them. Seedlings will be tiny and will barely take up any space.
Gently press the seeds toward the grounds.
Fill the spray bottle with distilled water and mist your plants from the top.
Place the trays in a spot where they can receive indirect sunlight for more than 4 hours.
During the next few weeks, ensure the soil is always humid. Also, they should remain within this temperature range: 78 F – 90 F.
In 3 to 6 weeks, you will start seeing tiny Venus flytraps germinating from those seeds.
After harvesting seeds, it is normal to wait a few weeks to sow the seeds. However, if you plan on storing the seeds for extended amounts of time, you must place them under refrigeration. Then, they can last for months.
Baby Venus Flytrap
A Debate About the Venus Flytrap Flowers
Often, there is a debate between Venus flytrap owners. Some believe flowers must be cut off to prevent flowering. Others just let their plant flourish. The reasoning behind the first point of view is simple. Venus flytraps focus on reproduction during the spring. They spend substantial amounts of energy generating flowers and hoping they get pollinated. As a novice grower, it is recommended to skip the flowering process. Then, if the plant is not receiving optimal care, it will overcome the challenges.
Venus flytraps do not self destruct when producing flowers. It is entirely safe to let plants undergo the reproductive season. However, you must be confident in your setup. Here is a diagram that can help you decide between letting your plant flower or not.
If you are interested in harvesting seeds and producing seedlings, you should focus on making sure the plant is under proper care. Pollinating Venus flytraps and harvesting their seeds is not a complicated process, but it is gratifying.
Venus Flytrap Rhizome Divisions
The Venus Flytrap also reproduces via rhizome division (vegetative propagation). Venus flytraps usually exhibit 3 to 7 healthy leaves at a time. When you see a Venus flytrap with multiple heads, like, for example, 15 or 20, then that is not a single plant. The original plant has propagated and created clones of itself.
At first, the roots are connected between the parent plant and the clone. But, then the roots divide, and the clone develops an independent root system.
After a Venus flytrap has propagated via rhizome, you can easily separate the plant and pot each plant independently.
I bought this plant in the picture below. As soon as I saw it, I knew there had to be at least four independent Venus flytraps in that small space. It needed to be repotted, and it could be easily divided.
After splitting the plant, I got six young Venus flytraps and one baby one. They are growing strong in the appropriate pots.
To obtain multiple plants from a single one, you must wait until the parent plant divides naturally. It is not completely necessary to separate them. But as shown in the photo example above, some plants grow out of their containers and need more space. There are two best times to divide a Venus flytrap:
At the end of dormancy: the plant will exit dormancy in a new medium and grow.
During the start or mid-summer: the plant will have time to adapt to its new environment before entering dormancy.
You can learn how to divide your plant by following these instructions:
Remove the plant from its pot. You can moisten the soil beforehand to make the operation easier.
Carefully remove the soil in the roots of the plants. Start by removing the outer layer. Then, you will be left with a core. The last pieces of dirt are the hardest to remove. Do not get frustrated. Just continue to remove the soil. You can employ a spray bottled to break up solidified pieces.
Inspect the roots and bulbs of the plant. The bulb should be white and of firm consistency. The roots are long and dark. As you observe the plant, you will notice some separations in the bulb.
Without harming the rhizomes, separate each plant, making sure each of them has its own independent roots.
Place the bare-root plants on top of a paper towel or a container.
Trim the plants. Now, it is the best time to prune the Venus flytraps. When they are bare root you can remove those black leaves altogether. Also, at this point, you can extract leaf cuttings (more information in the next section.)
Prepare independent pots for each. Or a container for multiple. Placing multiple plants in a single pot is possible, but make sure there is enough space.
Plant all the Venus flytrap.
Continue to provide proper care and focus on water and humidity levels. Venus flytraps weaken after repotting. Ensure the potting medium is always moist.
Venus Flytrap Leaf-cutting
It is possible to extract a Venus flytrap leaf attached to part of the rhizome and produce a new plant. This process is called leaf cuttings. The best time to pull leaf cuttings is during the spring or summer. Do not attempt this method during dormancy. Here is how it works, step by step.
Place a bare root Venus flytrap on top of a surface.
Identify a healthy leaf on the outer layer of leaves in the rhizome.
Grab the leaf from the top and gently but firmly pull in downwards. The leaf should have a small portion of the rhizome in its base.
Collect a couple of leaf cuttings to increase your chances of propagating the plant.
Place the leaf cuttings in a container with humid carnivorous plant soil by laying them on their side.
Cover the base of the leaf-cutting with some of the soil.
For the next weeks, provide the standard Venus flytrap care to this leaf cuttings. They should have access to sunlight, a humid environment, and adequate amounts of nutrient-free water.
Venus Flytrap Flower Stalk Cutting
You can also propagate Venus flytraps through flower stalk cuttings. If you decide to cut the flower stalks off your plant, do not throw them away. You can plant them and propagate your plant. This section will teach you how to multiply your plants through flower stalk cuttings.
First, collect the basic ingredients:
Plastic or glazed ceramic pot with a drainage hole
Water tray for your selected pot
Distilled water
Scissors
Carnivorous plant soil
Wait until your plant has produced flower stalks. The stalks should be at least 5 inches long to continue this procedure. For best results, wait until the plant has produced flower buds. Then, you will have a better chance of producing baby Venus flytrap.
Follow these instructions for flower stalk propagation:
Add distilled water to the carnivorous plant soil until it is humid all around.
Introduce the soil inside the pot
Place the pot on top of the water tray. And fill the tray with about half an inch of distilled water.
Employ the scissors to cut the flower stalks as close to the rhizome as possible. Cut all the flower stalks in the plant.
Cut each flower stalk into smaller pieces at about 2-3 inches in length.
Grab half of the stalks and vertically insert them in the soil. Bury about a quarter of an inch underground. Then, push some soil around the stalks to set them securely in place.
Place the second half of flower stalks and place them horizontally to the ground. Then, press them gently towards the soil, until half of the stem is underground. After, push some of the soil in the edges and cover the tips of the stalk.
There are two commonly used methods: placing the stalks vertically and horizontally. For better results, I recommend to give them a 50-50 try. Once you completed the instructions, you are all set. Make sure the flower stalks remain in moist soil at all times. Also, they need exposure to sunlight. After 4-6 weeks, the stalks will start generating roots. Best of luck!
Final Thoughts
I hope you are successful at propagating your plant. Growing Venus flytraps from seeds or through divisions is a rewarding experience. Regardless of the propagation method, you employ, make sure the plant is healthy. This downloadable care sheet contains all the information you need to care for Venus flytraps. No need to sign up; just download it from this page:
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