Author: Kellie

Venus flytraps and succulents are both popular plants. In this article, we will explore the possibilities of growing Venus flytraps and succulents together.

Venus flytraps and succulents should not grow in the same pot, as their potting soil and watering requirements vary greatly. Still, succulents and Venus flytraps can be grown in the same environment if kept in separate pots.

Learn the best strategies to grow Venus flytraps and succulent in your home while keeping them both healthy.

Can Venus Flytraps Grow With Succulents in the Same Pot?

Venus flytraps and succulents have different growing requirements.

They both need lots of sunlight, but their humidity, watering, and potting media requirements vary greatly.

Venus flytraps and succulents should never be grown in the same pot. Each plant needs a different soil type. Also, Venus flytraps must remain in humid soil at all times. The high-humidity environment Venus flytraps prefer will rot and kill succulents

Venus flytraps can’t be potted in standard potting soil (here is a guide on how to pot your plants) (here is a guide on how to pot your plants). They need nutrient-free soil made up of moss with some drainage element, such as perlite or sand.

Succulents also need soil with good drainage. Also, succulent need soil with nutrients and fertilizers to thrive.

The nutrients in succulent soil can weaken and kill Venus flytraps. Also, the lack of nutrients in carnivorous plant soil is unsuitable for succulents.

Besides the soil requirement, Venus flytraps and succulent should be grown at very different humidity levels. Venus flytraps thrive in humid environments. Succulents prefer a dry environment.

You must water Venus flytraps very often to keep them healthy (here is a guide on watering that can help you use the optimal amount).. The soil should remain moist at all times. If you are unfamiliar with the watering process, you can learn all about it with this guide: Venus Flytrap Watering Instruction Guide.

Succulents need water every once in a while, but you must let the soil dry out quickly (hence the well-draining soil).

Even though Venus flytraps should not be grown in the same pot as succulents, they can be grown in the same setup.

What Plants Can Grow With Venus Flytraps in the Same Container

Many plants can be suitable companion plants for Venus flytraps. Here are a few options you can consider:

• Drosera / Sundew
• Sarracenia
• Live moss
• Other Venus flytrap cultivars

Drosera plants are also carnivorous plants. They thrive in carnivorous plant soil with high humidity levels. There are many different types of Sundew, so you have many options to choose from. I recommend selecting a Sundew that requires dormancy. Since Venus flytraps require dormancy, another plant that needs dormancy is optimal.

Sarracenia is also a carnivorous plant and it is a perfect companion plant for Venus flytraps.

Live moss thrives in high humidity environments. Also, it is a low-maintenance plant that will make any pot look beautiful.

You can choose to grow all of these plants in a single pot, maybe make a bog garden. I would not recommend growing them in a terrarium, as terrariums can be dangerous for Venus flytraps.

Growing Venus Flytraps and Succulents in the Same Setup

In this section, I will expand on how to grow succulents and Venus flytraps in the same location.

Growing Venus flytraps and succulent in the same setup is possible, as long as the plants grow in different containers.

Since, Venus flytraps and succulent have very diparate requirements, you must treat them very differently.

Lighting: Venus flytraps and succulents thrive in sunny locations. You can grow them outside to take advantage of bright sunlight or indoors with artificial lighting. Make sure both plants receive enough light exposure. Venus flytraps should optimally receive 12 hours of sunlight a day, but they can grow healthy with more than six.

Research about your succulents and their lighting requirements, and keep in mind most succulents need 12+ hours of sunlight.

Watering: Venus flytraps and succulents are very different in terms of water.

Venus flytraps thrive in very humid conditions. They must be watered often enough, so the soil never dries out completely. Also, Venus flytraps need pure water. They can’t be watered with standard tap water or bottled water. Instead, employ distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater.

You can also water succulents with pure water, but it is not a requirement. Contrary to Venus flytraps, succulent prefer dry media.

Soil: Use two different soils for your Venus flytrap and succulents. Venus flytraps need carnivorous plant soil.

Succulents are more flexible in potting media. And the recommended media might vary depending on the species.

Humidity: Venus flytraps thrive in high humidity environments. Still, Venus flytraps can live in arid environments.

I live in Arizona, and the climate is arid year-round. My Venus flytraps take a few weeks to adapt but eventually acclimate to the weather. I have never employed a humidifier, but it can be beneficial for Venus flytraps.

Succulents prefer dry climates. If you grow succulents and Venus flytraps together, avoid using a humidifier. Also, only mist your Venus flytraps. Succulents do not need misting.

Outdoor vs Indoor growing: Both Venus flytraps and succulents can be grown indoors or outdoors.

If you decide to grow your plants indoors, make sure they will have enough access to lighting. I grow many of my plants indoors.

I recommend using artificial lighting to ensure Venus flytraps remain healthy. You can use fluorescent or LED lights. Both types of grow lights are inexpensive and practical options. When choosing fluorescent bulbs, pick cool colors that promote growth. I have used this LED plant light (which costs less than $30) to grow some of my Venus flytraps, and they are healthy.

Potting containers: Succulents can grow in a wide array of potting containers from many different materials. I prefer using pots with drainage to prevent rotting.

Venus flytraps can be particular in terms of their potting container. First, it is greatly encouraged that you select a pot with drainage.

Also, pots made up us clay or terracotta can harm Venus fly traps. Those materials tend to leach minerals into the ground that are harmful to carnivorous plants. Opt for plastic, glass, or glazed ceramic containers for Venus flytraps.

Can Venus Flytraps and Succulents Use the Same Soil?

Succulent soil is not appropriate for Venus flytraps. Succulent soil varies in composition depending on the brand. But, all succulent soil contains some type of standard potting soil with tons of nutrients and fertilizers.

The nutrients in succulent soil are suitable for the vast majority of plants. However, carnivorous plants are susceptible to those components.

The nutrients and fertilizers present in succulent soil are harmful to Venus flytraps. Such nutrients cause mineral burns, weaken and eventually kill Venus flytraps. Never employ cactus or succulent soil for Venus flytraps. Instead, utilize carnivorous plant potting media.

Planting Venus flytraps in the wrong soil will kill the plant. Make sure you employ carnivorous plant soil. If you are unfamiliar with carnivorous plant soil, this article can teach you how to make it and where to buy it: The Best Soil Options for Venus Flytraps.

Venus flytraps need soil that lacks nutrients or fertilizers. Carnivorous plant soil is made up of pure moss and optionally an element for drainage, such as sand or perlite.

Thess are a few examples of carnivorous plant soil that are perfect for Venus flytraps:

• Pure peat moss
• Pure long-fibered sphagnum moss
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of peat moss and silica sand
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of peat moss and perlite
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of sphagnum moss and perlite
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of sphagnum moss and silica sand

Succulents won’t thrive in carnivorous plant soil. Most plants die when potted in carnivorous plant soil, as the dirt has no nutrients.

Avoid employing carnivorous plant soil for any other plant that is not carnivorous. Standard potting soil and succulent soil are available at most gardening stores.

Additional Care for Venus Flytrap

Venus flytraps have very particular growing requirements. For that reason, not many plants can act as companion plants in the same pot as Venus flytraps.

Before finding a companion plant for your Venus flytrap, you must make sure the growing environment is optimal for your plant.

Do not waste time searching the web to find Venus flytrap care information. This easy-to-follow guide contains all you need to know to grow healthy Venus flytraps: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide. Also, the guide includes a free care sheet you can download.

I grow succulents and carnivorous plants in my home. When I was first started growing Venus flytraps, I researched the possibility of using succulent soil for my carnivorous plants. In this article, I share what I learned about Venus flytraps and succulent soil.

Succulent soil is not an appropriate potting media for Venus flytraps or other carnivorous plants. Succulent soil has nutrients and fertilizers that are harmful to Venus flytraps. Venus flytraps must grow in potting media without any minerals or nutrients.

In this article, you will learn about different potting media options for Venus flytraps. Also, I have highlighted some unsuitable potting media you should avoid.

Is Succulent Soil Safe for Venus Fly Trap?

Succulent soil varies in composition depending on the brand or the person making it. However, most succulent soil contains a substantial amount of standard potting soil and other components that contain nutrients.

The nutrients in succulent soil are beneficial for almost all plants, but Venus flytraps have very different requirements.

The high nutrient content in succulent soil makes it unsuitable for Venus flytraps. The nutrients in succulent soil can cause mineral burns, weaken and eventually kill Venus flytraps. Never employ succulent soil for Venus flytraps; instead, use nutrient-free soil.

Planting a Venus flytrap in the wrong soil will cause many issues. The nutrients present in succulent soil can produce mineral burns in Venus flytraps. Mineral burns are easy to spot, and they characterize by making the leaves turn yellow and droopy.

The minerals in succulent soil weaken Venus flytraps, as these plants are intolerant to any minerals in the ground.

Venus flytraps won’t die immediately if planted in succulent soil, but they will die eventually. The minerals slowly weaken the plant until it dies. The plant will look worst over time and eventually perish.

Luckily, there are many other soil options besides succulent soil. Keep on reading to learn which soil is the most appropriate for Venus flytraps.

Is Cactus Soil Suitable for Venus Flytrap?

Cactus soil is sometimes the same or similar to succulent soil. Cactus soil characterizes by having lots of nutrients and by exhibiting good drainage to prevent plants from rotting.

Cactus soil contains nutrients that are very harmful to Venus flytraps. Never plant Venus flytraps in cactus soil. Instead, employ a combination of pure moss and a drainage agent such as sand or perlite. Venus flytraps need to grow in potting media without any minerals or fertilizers.

Stay away from cactus soil to keep your Venus flytrap healthy. The section below expands on good soil options for carnivorous plants.

The Best Soil Options for Venus Flytraps

Venus flytraps weaken and die if they are planted in soil with high amounts of fertilizers and nutrients.

In the wild, Venus flytraps grow in inferior soil, with little to no access to nutrients. As a result, they have developed an intolerance to nutrients in the soil or the water they consume.

Venus flytraps must be planted in nutrient-free soil. Venus flytraps thrive in carnivorous plant soil. Carnivorous plant soil can be made with a combination of pure moss, such as long-fibered sphagnum moss or peat moss, with a drainage agent, such as sand or perlite.

Venus flytraps must grow in soil that lacks nutrients or fertilizers. Carnivorous plant soil is made up of pure potting ingredients that lack any additives. Carnivorous plant potting media is optimal for Venus flytraps.

Here are a few examples of carnivorous plant soil that are perfect for Venus flytraps:

• Pure peat moss
• Pure long-fibered sphagnum moss
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of peat moss and perlite
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of peat moss and silica sand
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of sphagnum moss and perlite
• 4:1 or 2:1 ratio of sphagnum moss and silica sand

You have the option to make or buy carnivorous plant soil for your plant. The sections below will guide you through the details.

Once you have carnivorous plant soil, it is time to plant your Venus flytrap. Make sure to read this article: Venus Flytrap Potting and Repotting Guide, before you start the process. Potting your plant correctly is critical to keep it healthy.

How to Make Carnivorous Plant Soil

Making carnivorous plant soil is not difficult. Usually, you only need one or two ingredients. However, getting those ingredients can be a challenge.

You have two main options when making carnivorous plant soil:

• Employing pure moss only
• Employing a combination of pure moss with a drainage agent

For pure moss, you can choose between peat moss or long-fibered sphagnum moss. Regardless of the type of moss you choose, it must be pure. It can not contain any nutrients or fertilizers. For example, you should not buy the standard miracle grow peat moss available in gardening stores. Miracle Grow is packed with nutrients harmful to Venus flytraps.

I use the brand in the picture below. It is cheap and suitable for Venus flytraps.

Employing pure moss only as a potting media for Venus flytraps is a good choice. However, adding a drainage agent in the soil provides extra benefits, such as aerations, drainage, and root rot prevention.

I recommend adding either silica sand or perlite to the moss to make optimal soil for your plants. The sand and perlite also need to be pure and lack nutrients. This article can help you select suitable sand for your Venus flytrap. Make sure to ask before you buy and confirm the ingredients do not have any fertilizers.

I use perlite for my carnivorous plant soil mixes:

Once you have the ingredients to make carnivorous plant soil, the mixing process is easy. The only thing you need to do is to combine the moss with the perlite or sand. You can employ as much as a 50-50 ratio for optimal drainage. However, a 20% perlite/sand concentration is enough to provide good drainage and aeration.

Where to But Carnivorous Plant Soil

There are many places where you can buy carnivorous plant soil.

Online stores: Buying online is a practical option. Consider buying soil for your Venus flytrap online. Amazon and Etsy sell carnivorous plant soil.

Gardening stores: It is unlikely that gardening stores would carry carnivorous plant soil, but you can always ask. Make sure you verify the ground does not contain additives before buying.

Online or local nurseries: Nurseries might surprise you. Some of them carry carnivorous plants and their related supplies. Call your local nursery and ask for carnivorous plant soil. Also, some carnivorous plant nurseries have a significant online presence. Make a quick google search, and you will find many that can ship soil to your home.

Can Venus Flytraps and Succulents Grow Together?

Venus flytraps and succulents share many similarities. They both thrive in bright environments, and they both like soil with good drainage.

Venus flytraps and succulents should not together in the same container. Each requires different soil and humidity levels. Venus flytraps must remain in a humid environment at all times, while succulents prefer dry media.

Growing succulents and Venus flytraps can be very rewarding. But, if you plan on growing both, you must never forget how different they are. Venus flytraps thrive in humid environments, while succulents prefer dry climates.

Succulents and Venus flytraps can be grown in the same environment as long as each has its pot and soil. A bright location is beneficial to both plants. Venus flytraps can adapt to arid climates as long as they are watered often.

Many plants can grow close to carnivorous plants, but very few can grow in the same pot, as the soil composition and watering level are unique.

More Information

The soil type you employ is extremely important for Venus flytraps, but there are many other factors you should keep in mind to keep your plant alive and healthy.

Do not waste time browsing through the web to find Venus flytrap care information. This guide contains all you need to know to grow Venus flytraps: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide. Also, it includes a free care sheet you can download.

Some water types are suitable for Venus flytraps, others can be harmful and end up killing the plant. Spring water is available in most grocery stores and gas stations but, is it safe for Venus flytraps?

Spring water can be safe for Venus flytraps if it contains less than 50 parts per million (ppm). Spring water with ppm readings over 50 or 100 ppm can be harmful to Venus flytraps. Test the water before using or employ pure water sources.

This article will guide you through the steps to find the correct water for your plant.

If you have already used the incorrect water source for your plant, make sure to read this article: How to Save a Venus Flytrap After Watering With Tap Water (or other unsuitable sources). It will guide you through steps and help you ensure your Venus flytrap recovers.

Is Spring Water Suitable for Venus Flytraps?

The minerals present in most spring water are harmful to Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants.

Venus flytraps are intolerants to minerals that are commonly present in rich soil and potable water. The minerals build up in the soil and weaken the plant. For that reason, not all water is safe for Venus flytraps.

Spring water can be safe for Venus flytraps if it contains less than 50 ppm. A ppm reading between 50 and 100 ppm is acceptable but not recommended. Optimal water sources contain 0 ppm.

The composition and quality of spring water vary significantly, as it can come from many different sources and might be purified or not.

To verify spring water is safe for Venus flytraps, you must test it.

You can employ a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Meter to asses the ppm levels in spring water and other water sources.

I recommend buying a TDS meter for all carnivorous plant growers or hobbyists. TDS meters are very inexpensive (less than $15) and easy to use. Here is a link to the one I use; you can check its current price on the Amazon website by following the link.

TDS meters will help you verify the water you employ is safe for your Venus flytrap and can potentially save them from mineral burns and death. Yellow leaves are a common sign of mineral burns on Venus flytraps.

Using a TDS meter is very simple:

1. Add the water you want to test in a clean container.
2. Grab the TDS meter and turn it on
3. Dip the bottom end in the water
4. And that is it! A ppm reading should appear on the screen.

A value below 50 ppm indicates the water is suitable for flytraps and other carnivorous plants. A reading between 50 and 100 ppm is acceptable but not optimal. A lower reading is always better.

I used a TDS meter to test ARROWHEAD Spring Water, and got a reading of 130 ppm. Even though such water might good drinking water, it will harm and kill Venus flytraps.

How to Reduce PPM Measurement in Spring Water

The ppm reading for your spring water might on the suitable or acceptable range for Venus flytraps, but it is still beneficial to get to lower the number of dissolved solids. Here are some strategies to eliminate the extra components in the water.

• Filter the water: If you have a water filter, use it. Britta or similar filters can reduce the number of ppm in your Spring water. I recently bought a ZeroWater filter pitcher. The filter reduces the number of dissolved solids in the water to zero ppm, regardless of its source. Here is a link to buy a ZeroWater pitcher filter and check its specs and current price. The pitcher filter includes a TDS meter and one filter.
• Let the water rest in an open container overnight: Some water solids can evaporate over time. One night or a day is enough to eliminate some components.

Water Alternatives for Venus Flytraps Besides Spring Water

Safe Water Options for Venus Flytraps

Not all water is suitable for carnivorous plants. But, buying or collecting water for your plants should not be a hassle. The options described in this section are 100% safe for your plant.

Rainwater, reverse osmosis water, and distilled water is pure water, safe for Venus flytraps. Pure water sources do not contain minerals and additives that harm carnivorous plants. Tap water and bottled water is usually harmful to Venus flytraps

These three water sources are always safe for Venus flytraps:

Rainwater: Rainwater is the only free option on this list. If you have access to frequent rainy days, you should consider collecting rainwater and using it for your plants. Rainwater contains zero or little ppm(<50 ppm).

Reverse osmosis water: RO water is sometimes sold in grocery and water stores. It costs about a dollar or a dollar fifty a gallon and contains 0 ppm

Distilled water: This option is available almost everywhere, and it is inexpensive. You can buy a gallon of distilled water for less than one dollar in most supermarkets. Select the generic distilled water jug.

When buying distilled water, read the label. Make sure the water you are selecting is pure. Water might be purified through a distillation process, but if it contains added minerals, then the water is harmful to Venus flytraps. If the label says anything like the text below, avoid it (it is not pure distilled water):

• with additives
• with minerals for taste
• with electrolytes
• added minerals

Unsafe Water for Venus Flytraps

Using the incorrect water source for Venus flytraps can kill them. Make sure to avoid these:

Tap Water:  Tap water is not usually safe for Venus flytraps. I employed a TDS meter to measure the tap water in my house, and I was shocked.

The ppm reading for my tap water was over 500! So, tap water in my house would kill my carnivorous plants very quickly.

Boiled Tap Water: Boiling tap water does not make it safe for Venus flytraps. The boiling process increases the concentration of dissolved solids in the liquid, making it less safe for carnivorous plants.

Bottled Water: Bottled water is not always harmful to Venus flytraps, but it can be depending on its compositions. Most bottled water contains minerals and electrolytes, useful to add taste. To be safe, always test bottled water before using it for your plants.

I used a TDS meter to measure SmartWater, and the reading was within the acceptable levels for Venus flytraps. SmartWater had less than 30 ppm.

Never employ water with more than 100 ppm for Venus flytraps. High mineral contents produce mineral burns, weakens and kills Venus flytraps.

Easy Venus Flytrap Watering Instructions

Watering Venus flytraps incorrectly can kill the plant. Underwatering and overwatering are very harmful. Also, using the correct water source is critical.

Follow this instructions to always water you Venus flytrap correctly and keep it safe:

• Employ pure water sources, such as distilled water, ro water, or rainwater
• Keep the humidity levels high: Venus flytraps thrive in humid environments. Water your plant often to keep them happy. Water your plant throughout until the soil is humid all around. Do not flood the soil, but keep it moist at all times.
• Water your Venus flytrap the right amount: After watering, use your finger to sense the humidity in the soil. The ground should be humid but not soaking wet.
  • Do not underwater: Never let the soil dry out completely. When Venus flytraps are underwater, they get droopy, weaken, and can die quickly without moisture.
  • Do not overwater: Venus flytraps like humid environments, but they do not grow in swamps or ponds. Do not water the soil until it is entirely soaked. It should be moist but not flooded.
• Use the water tray method: The water tray method (watering from the bottom) is a prevalent watering technique to keep carnivorous plants ina moist but not overwatered environment. The picture below illustrates the concept. I highly recommend it! You can read this article (Venus Flytraps Sit in Water) to learn how it works.
• Do not grow Venus flytraps in terrariums: Planting your Venus flytrap in a terrarium provides a humid environment, which is beneficial, but Venus flytraps do not thrive in terrariums. Water can tend to stay in the soil for long periods and cause root rot and mold issues.

This guide can help you master the watering process by following some simple steps: Venus Flytrap Watering Instruction Guide. It detailed tips to teach you how to water your plant the right amount. Also, it gives you tips to adjust the watering through the seasons and life stages of your plant.

The watering process is important for Venus flytraps, but you should consider other factors to keep your plant alive and healthy.

Do not waste time browsing through the web for scattered Venus flytrap care information. This article contains all you need to know to grow Venus flytraps: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide. Also, for Venus flytraps growing indoors, follow this guide: Venus Flytrap Indoor Care Guide.

Venus flytraps usually benefit from consuming bugs. But during dormancy, their feeding and other requirements need to be adjusted.

During dormancy, Venus flytraps do not need to be fed at all. Manually feeding Venus flytraps during dormancy can cause unwanted stress and harm them. Outdoor Venus flytraps will start consuming bugs when they are ready.

In this article, you will learn about feeding and fertilizing during Venus flytrap dormancy. I will give you many tips to keep your plant healthy through dormancy.

Feeding Venus Flytrap During Dormancy

In the winter, Venus flytraps go dormant. The dormancy process is essential and very similar to hibernation.

When temperatures drop, Venus flytraps enter a dormancy stage that lasts several months. When Venus flytraps go dormant, they change substantially. Slowly they start losing leaves and often shrink in size.

Often, Venus flytrap owners believe their plants have died during the winter, but the reality is that their plants are just dormant.

During dormancy, Venus flytraps are a lot more delicate. For that reason, you must carefully take care of the plant.

During dormancy, avoid manually feeding your Venus flytrap. Let your Venus flytraps live without insects unless it captures them on its own. Venus flytraps will start consuming insects when they are ready.

Venus flytraps do not require manual feeding during dormancy. However, sometimes their traps might be active. In that case, your plant might capture a bug during dormancy. If your plant traps and consumes bugs on its own, that is ok and completely safe. You let your plant decide what it needs.

Once your plant exits dormancy, you can start feeding again. However, it is not the main priority. Venus flytraps can live without consuming bugs at all.

So, even if your plant has exited dormancy, there is no rush to feed it. Many other factors are more critical than feedings, such as lighting, watering, and temperature levels.

Venus Flytrap Feeding Tips

When your Venus flytrap is ready to start capturing bugs again, follow these tips to ensure you feed your plant correctly:

• Do not feed Venus flytraps during dormancy.
• Generally, there is no need to feed Venus flytraps that grow outdoors. Outdoor plants can capture their own feed and do not require supplemental feeding.
• Only feed one single trap at a time. Never attempt to feed all the traps of your plant. One single bug can provide nutrition for the whole plant.
• Avoid overfeeding your Venus flytrap. Only feed your plant once every 2 to 6 weeks.
• Do not feed any human food to Venus flytraps. Chicken, meat, hamburger, fruit, or candy are not suitable food options. Giving your Venus flytrap human food will cause the trap to rot, stink, and potentially attract pests.
• Feed your plant with an exclusive bug diet: insects and arachnids are acceptable choices.
• Employ bugs that are small enough to fit in the trap completely. A good rule of thumb is to select an insect that is 1/3 of the trap’s size.

If you are unsure about the feeding process, do not attempt it. Feeding your Venus flytrap incorrectly can kill leaves and weaken the plant. Before you feed your plant, learn the process. This guide: Venus Flytrap Feeding Guide with Pictures, will teach you exactly how to do it. Also, this article can help you buy or select the right food option for your plant (bug type).

When Do Venus Flytraps Enter and Exit Dormancy?

This section will explain when do Venus flytraps go dormant and when do they exit dormancy. By knowing the status of your Venus flytraps, you can assess if feeding your plant is safe.

Venus flytraps enter dormancy as temperatures start to drop. There is no exact way to determine if your plant is dormant or not, but here are some general rules:

Venus flytraps start dormancy when they are exposed to temperatures below 45F for 2-3 weeks. The plants will start losing leaves and shrinking as dormancy develops. Venus flytraps won’t exit their inactive stage until the temperatures begin to rise in the spring.

Venus flytraps remain dormant for several months. The dormancy period might only last three months or go on for 4 or 5. Venus flytraps will exit dormancy as temperatures rise and light exposure increases.

Venus flytraps exit their dormant state as they are experience temperatures above 45-50F and more prolonged sunlight exposure. Usually, Venus flytraps exit dormancy at the beginning of the spring. In the spring, Venus flytraps start growing and produce flowers.

You will notice your Venus flytrap flourishing when it exists dormancy. When Venus flytraps are dormant, they look very sad, but as spring starts, they finally start producing new growth. Also, they might begin to produce flowers if they are mature plants.

Fertilizing During Venus Flytrap Dormancy

Fertilizing Venus flytraps can be a challenge year-round, but during dormancy, it is never recommended.

Do not fertilize Venus flytraps during dormancy. The nutrients in fertilizers can kill Venus flytraps as they build up in the soil. During dormancy, fertilizing is not beneficial and can harm or kill the plant.

Venus flytraps are very sensitives to nutrients. Nutrients and related components are harmful to Venus flytraps. As a result, they thrive in nutrition-less soil, and they receive pure water.

Fertilizing Venus flytraps is not impossible, but it an advanced practice; never attempt to fertilize your plant if you are a beginner.

The general approach to fertilize Venus flytraps is to use a foliar fertilizer, dilute it with distilled water and apply it to the leaves. Even though fertilizing is possible, skip it altogether during dormancy. It won’t provide any benefit, and it can kill your plant.

Still, there are some alternate options besides fertilizing. When your Venus flytrap is not dormant, you can follow this advice to promote your plant’s growth:

1. Provide plenty of sunlight: Venus flytraps benefit from long hours of daylight. 12+ hours of light exposure is optimal.
2. Feed your plant or grow it outdoors: Make sure your Venus flytraps consume one bug a month to encourage growth through a nutrition boost.
3. Skip the flowering process: Prevent your Venus flytrap from flowering by cutting off the flower stalks as soon as they spur. Skipping the flowering process gives the plant an extra boost of growth.
4. Employ deep pots with plenty of room: Venus flytraps have long roots, which benefit from long vertical containers that encourage root growth.

Venus Flytrap Dormancy Care Tips

During dormancy, Venus flytraps require extra care. Follow the instructions below to keep your plants healthy during the winter season:

• Continue to water your plant often, but lower the watering frequency to adapt to less water consumption and colder days.
• Do not fertilize Venus flytraps. Generally, fertilizing Venus flytraps is challenging and should only be done when you are an experienced grower (and never during dormancy).
• Avoid feeding your Venus flytrap during dormancy. It can cause leaf loss and stress.
• Remove dead leaves when necessary. Trimming Venus flytraps during dormancy is safe.
• Repotting at the end of dormancy is a common and effective practice. You can read this guide to learn about the potting and repotting process.
• Keep your dormant Venus flytraps at temperatures below 45-50F to keep them dormant.
• Do not worry about the lighting requirement as much. Fully dormant Venus flytraps require very little light exposure.
• Avoid letting your Venus flytraps freeze during the colder months. Venus flytraps can handle freezing temperatures, but once the temperature drops below 25F, it can be dangerous for the plants.
• Preferably grow your Venus flytraps outdoors through the year. With that approach, they can enter and exit dormancy naturally with the season changes.
• If your plant looks dead, continue to care for it until the end of dormancy. Then, when the spring starts, you can determine if your plant was just dormant or dead.

I hope this article helped you learn more about Venus flytrap care during dormancy. Growing carnivorous plants can be a challenge, but it is a gratifying experience.

For a detailed guide on Venus flytrap care, make sure to read this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide (it includes a free downloadable care sheet!). If you are growing your Venus flytraps indoors, this article specializes in indoor growing: Venus Flytrap Indoor Care Guide.

Watering Venus flytraps with the correct water source is an essential task to keep them healthy. Filtered water is safe for humans, but is it safe for Venus flytraps?

Filtered water with a Total Dissolved Solids measurement of less than 50ppm is safe for Venus flytraps. However, not all filtered water has the same quality. Water filters and original water quality can vary substantially.

You must make sure filtered water is safe for your plant before watering it. In this article, I will teach you exactly how to confirm the water is safe. Also, I will share some effective water filters for carnivorous plants.

Venus flytraps are sensitive to minerals and other components. In the wild, they grow in areas with very little access to nutrients, and they have developed an intolerance to them.

When growing Venus flytraps at home, minerals in the water can harm Venus flytraps. Venus flytraps need to be watered with pure water sources with little to no dissolved solids. The water must contain less than 50 parts per million (ppm), a measurement of the number of dissolved solids in the water.

Watering Venus flytraps with high ppm water can weaken them and eventually kill them. So, is filtered water safe?

Is Filtered Water Suitable for Venus Flytraps?

Filtered water varies in quality, but the ppm measurement can help you asses if it is safe for your plants.

Filtered water is safe for Venus flytraps if the total dissolved solids reading is below 50 ppm. Filtered water with 50 to 100 ppm is not optimal but is relatively safe for mature carnivorous plants.

You can measure the amount of total dissolved solids in the water by employing a TDS meter. TDS meters are very inexpensive and easy to use. Here is a link to the one I use; you can check its current price on Amazon.

When I measured the tap water quality in my home, I was surprised to discover the high ppm reading. The picture below shows the reading 570ppm. The extremely high amount of dissolved solids would kill carnivorous plants quickly.

Not all tap water is of the same quality. Water quality varies across states and cities. So, you might have to measure it to find out.

With a TDS meter you can measure the exact ppm of your tap or bottled water quality.

The quality of your filter water will highly depend on the original water quality and the type of water filter. The next section will give you the details on a few very popular and effective water filters for Venus flytraps.

Different Types of Filtered Water for Venus Flytraps

There are many different types of water filters in the market. The vast majority promises to reduce the total dissolved solids in the water substantially. Also, some brands, such as ZeroWater, claim to reduce the ppm reading to zero.

I did a bit of research to find out which water filters might be better for Venus flytraps. I tried a Brita filter I have at home, and it worked quite well. It reduced the ppm reading from 570 to 450. The difference was substantial but not enough to make my tap water safe for my plants.

I also found a video that tests water quality after filtering with different water filters: Brita, PUR, and ZeroWater. The table below shows the results of each filter.

In the experiment, they used tap water of similar water quality to mine, which is very poor.

The ZeroWater filter was the only one that reduced the ppm measurement enough to make the water safe for carnivorous plants. If the tap water in your home has a lower TDS measurement, then the Brita and PUR filters might be suitable. But, you will have to verify.

Overall I recommend the ZeroWater filter. Here is a link to buy a ZeroWater pitcher filter and check its specs and current price. The pitcher filter includes a TDS meter and one filter, which is enough to get your money back if you plan on buying distilled water for your Venus flytraps anyway. You can also make distilled water by following this guide.. You can also make distilled water by following this guide..

Filtered water from a ZeroWater filter is suitable for Venus flytraps as it delivers 0 ppm water. ZeroWater filters are suitable solutions to obtain safe water for carnivorous plants.

Measure the water quality of filtered water before you use it for Venus flytraps, to ensure your plants continue thriving.

Water Options for Venus Flytraps

Besides filtered water, there are other water sources you can employ for Venus flytraps.

Distilled water, reverse osmosis water, and rainwater is suitable water for Venus flytraps. All three lack minerals and additives that are harmful to carnivorous plants.

Distilled Water: Pure distilled water is sold at most grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies. A gallon of distilled water costs less than a dollar and lasts several weeks if you only have a couple of plants. Also, distilled water has 0 ppm. I personally use distilled water for my plants as it is inexpensive and easy to find. When you buy it, make sure the label estates distilled water and don’t include additives.

Reverse Osmosis Water: You can purchase this water in water stores or make it if you have a reverse osmosis system. It characterizes by having 0 ppm.

Rainwater: Collecting rainwater is not always an option, but if you have the opportunity of collecting it, you can use it to water your Venus flytrap. The ppm measurement of rainwater can vary depending on the area, but its range is within the acceptable limits for Venus flytraps.

These three options are the safest for carnivorous plants. There is no better or worst, just pick what works best for you.

Do Not Employ These Water Sources for Venus Flytraps

In the previous section, you learned what water to use for Venus flytraps. Now, I will give you a list of water to avoid for your plants:

Tap Water: Never water your plants with tap water as it can be very harmful. Use a TDS meter to verify its quality before employing it.

Boiled Tap Water: Boiling tap water increases the number of dissolved solids in the liquid, making it less suited for carnivorous plants. The process f boiling water is beneficial to kill bacteria, but it won’t remove dissolved solids.

Bottled Water: Bottled water is sometimes safe for Venus flytraps. But, the ppm reading varies across brands. Most brands act electrolytes and minerals for taste. Those components are helpful for humans but very harmful for Venus flytraps.

Spring Water: The definition of spring water varies across brands. Not all spring water is completely pure; some have additives for taste.

Venus Flytrap Watering Instructions

The list below includes some key instructions to water your Venus flytraps. Make sure to follow the instructions to keep your plant healthy:

• Only water your plant with pure water sources (less than 50 ppm)
  • Distilled water, reverse osmosis water, and rainwater are safe bets.
• Consider buying a humidifier or misting your plant to keep the moisture level above 50%
• Water your plant often. Keep the soil moist at all times, but do not flood. Flooding the ground can cause root rot and mold issues.
• Use the water tray method to ensure the soil remains at the proper humidity level.
• Adjust the water frequency through the seasons. During dormancy, Venus flytraps lower their watering requirement substantially.
• Reduce watering if mold or algae appear in the soil.

For more information on the water process, you can read this guide: Venus Flytrap Watering Instruction Guide. It includes all the details you need to know about water your plant the right amount to keep it thriving. Also, it gives you instructions on how to save your plant if you have used the incorrect water in the past.

With this article, you have learned about the Venus flytrap watering process. But, there are many other factors to consider if you want to keep your Venus flytraps alive and healthy. This article covers all you need to know about growing Venus flytraps: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide. If you are growing your Venus flytraps indoors, this article specializes in that approach: Venus Flytrap Indoor Care Guide.

Growing seedlings or baby Venus flytraps can be a big challenge. I have learned the hard way and killed plants along the way by making silly mistakes. For that reason, I’m writing this post today to prevent you from making any of those mistakes, so you can keep your baby Venus flytraps alive and healthy.

Venus flytrap seedlings need exposure to plenty of sun and water to live. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Also, they must be planted in carnivorous plant soil, which must be humid, but not damped at all times. Other considerations are humidity, dormancy, feeding, and containers.

In this article, I will cover six major care considerations to account for when growing seedlings or baby Venus flytraps: watering, lighting, soil, feeding, dormancy, and potting containers.

I have been growing 4 Venus flytrap seedlings over the past six months. The larger one is about six months old since I divided it. I got it through rhizome divisions. And, the other three spurred a few months ago through leaf pulling propagation.

Venus Flytrap Seedling Care

Venus Flytrap Watering Instructions

Venus flytraps need a consistent water supply of pure water.

Never water your Venus flytrap with tap water or bottled water. Instead, employ distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater. The water source cannot contain additives, such as minerals. Minerals or nutrients in the water can build-up in the soil and kill Venus flytraps.

Older Venus flytraps might be able to survive if you use the wrong water source once or twice, but young seedlings can be very affected by the minerals in tap water or bottled water. Always use pure water sources to keep your plants alive.

In terms of frequency, you must water your Venus flytrap often (here is a guide on watering that can help you use the optimal amount) (here is a guide on watering that can help you use the optimal amount). I use the water tray method, as you can see in the picture below.

I place the pot of my plants on top of a tray of water, and I let it sit there until it dries out, and then I refill it.

The main goal is straightforward: you want to keep the soil always humid, always moist, but never flooded. If it’s flooded, we can have root rot issues, and for that reason, you want to always keep it at high humidity but not at extreme moisture. Also, consider misting your Venus flytraps by using a manual mister or even employ a humidifier.

Lighting Requirements

In terms of lighting, young seedlings benefit from strong lighting, and you can see a huge difference between seedlings that have been exposed to long hours of sunlight versus very short periods of sunlight.

For best results, I recommend growing Venus flytraps outdoors where they can have six or more direct sunlight hours.

If you grow seedlings indoors, you can still do so, but it is challenging. You need to find a very sunny spot or use artificial lighting.

For my seedlings, I have been using a led plant light. If you need to buy artificial light for your plants, here is a link to the plant light I use. Because artificial lighting is not as efficient and as powerful as sunlight, I always use a timer of 12 hours. Then, my plants are exposed to 12 hours of artificial light to make sure that they remain healthy.

Carnivorous Plant Soil

For your soil choice, you must always use carnivorous plant soil. If you are unfamiliar with carnivorous plant soil, you can follow this link to learn more:

Carnivorous Plant Soil Guide: https://bit.ly/30y9ecA

Carnivorous plants need to grow in potting media that lacks nutrients and minerals, as those substances are harmful to them. For Venus flytraps, most people employ a mixture between moss and sand or perlite. The moss can be long-fibered sphagnum moss or peat moss. All the elements in the additive have to be pure (no fertilizers).

I make my own soil mix for my Venus flytrap seedlings. It is about 20 % perlite and the rest peat moss.
Those elements are completely pure. They can’t have any minerals or fertilizers, which can be harmful to Venus flytraps. This is of crucial importance, as young Venus flytraps are resilient, but they can also be quite delicate to exposure to minerals. Always make sure to use the correct soil type.

Venus Flytrap Seedling Feeding

Now let’s cover the next element, feeding.

The traps of baby Venus flytraps work. Even though they are very young and tiny, they are ready to capture bugs.
The best recommendation for feeding young Venus flytraps is to grow them outdoors. In the outdoors, they can capture their own bugs. They might be able to consume a tiny gnat, a really small fly, or mosquito.

It is also possible to manually feed your Venus flytraps, but because they are so tiny, it tends to be very difficult. I will anyway share this link to a video that shows you how to feed baby Venus flytraps. Then, you can make your own decision if you want to go through the process. But I think it’s a little bit complicated, especially when your plant is at such an early stage. If you want to encourage your plant’s growth, the best thing you can do is to provide more lighting. High light exposure has the same effects as feeding.

Venus Flytrap Dormancy

During the winter months, Venus flytraps go into a hibernation state known as dormancy. Venus flytraps should undergo dormancy every year. Skipping dormancy many years in a row kills Venus flytraps. Still, it is possible to skip dormancy in some cases, especially for seedlings.

When growing seedlings for the first time, I recommend skipping the first dormancy. Before going through the dormancy process, you must make sure your plant is healthy and well adapted to the environment.
Skipping the first dormancy won’t kill the plant. But, the following year, your plants MUST go dormant.

Potting Containers

This final care consideration is often overlooked.

Pots can leach minerals to the ground and slowly kill Venus flytraps. Since young Venus flytraps are very sensitive to minerals, avoid terracotta or clay pots. Instead, choose plastic, glass, glazed ceramic, or Styrofoam containers; those materials are safe for carnivorous plants.

Venus Flytrap Seedling Care Summary

Follow these instructions to keep your baby Venus flytraps healthy and thriving:

• Provide plenty of light for your seedlings: If you grow them outdoors, provide at least 6 hours of sunlight.
• Avoid exposing Venus flytrap seedlings to temperatures above 95 F as they can dry out.
• Do not let your seedlings dry out: Venus flytrap seedlings need high humidity to survive. They can die very quickly if the soil dries out.
• Consider using the water tray method for watering: By letting the plants sit in water, you ensure the soil is humid but not overwatered.
• Only water with distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater: Tap water or standard bottled water can kill Venus flytraps.
• Employ carnivorous plant soil as potting media.
• Keep your plants in a high humidity environment: Mist them often or use a humidifier.
• Avoid terracotta or clay pots.
• Choose pots with drainage to avoid root rot.
• Grow your seedlings outdoors so that they can access insects: Baby Venus flytraps can capture their food and benefit from the added nutrition.
• Please do not feed your Venus flytrap manually until you have done enough research: Some people make big mistakes when feeding their Venus flytraps. Avoid harming your plant by learning about the feeding process (here is some information.)
• Let your seedlings go dormant during the winter only if you are familiar with the process.
• Get your seedlings adjusted to the environment before their first dormancy.
• Do not fertilize your plants: The nutrients in fertilizers are harmful to Venus flytraps; they can kill seedlings quickly.

How to Get Venus Flytrap Seedlings

If you would like to learn how to propagate Venus flytraps, I have two articles that will be perfect for you. You can learn about leaf pulling propagation, flower stalk propagation, growing Venus flytraps from seeds, and much more:

• Step-by-Step Guide to Venus Flytrap Flower Stalk Propagation
• How Do Venus Flytrap Reproduce? – 4 Propagation Methods

For more information on Venus flytrap care, make sure to download this free care sheet.

When Venus flytraps go dormant, their needs change. They require less water, they do not need to capture bugs, and their light exposure requirement becomes more lenient.

Dormant Venus flytraps living at close to freezing temperatures do not require light, but they are commonly exposed to it. Outdoor plants have exposure to natural sunlight, which guides them through entering and exiting dormancy. For indoor plants, it is recommended to provide light during dormancy.

In this short article, I will teach you how much light do dormant Venus flytraps need depending on each particular situation.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Light Requirements During Dormancy

Outdoor Venus flytraps undergoing dormancy can continue to receive natural light. The sunlight during the winter won’t harm them. On the contrary, light exposure will help them stay dormant and eventually exit dormancy as the climate warms up and the days become longer.

Dormant Venus flytraps living under freezing temperatures (30F range) do not need light to survive. At such low temperatures, Venus flytraps are entirely inactive. Their growth is stagnant, and they are in hibernation mode. Still, there is no harm for Venus flytraps to receive sunlight during dormancy. Many areas have cold winters, which characterize by bright days.

Indoor Venus flytraps should also experience dormancy. Most people place them in an unheated porch, garage, or basement to make them go dormant in the winter. Even though dormant Venus flytraps do not require lighting when they remain at temperatures close to freezing, providing lighting for indoor Venus flytraps is a safer alternative.

Temperature changes in indoor locations can bring Venus flytraps out of dormancy. If Venus flytraps are starting to exit dormancy or exit dormancy completely, they need plenty of light to remain healthy.

In most cases, it is not safe to place a Venus flytrap in a cold and dark indoor location during dormancy unless there are no significant temperature fluctuations.

I recommend using artificial lighting to ensure Venus flytraps remain healthy. You can employ fluorescent or LED grow light. Both types of grow lights are inexpensive and practical options. When choosing fluorescent bulbs, pick cool colors that promote growth. I have used this small LED plant light (which costs less than $30) to grow some of my Venus flytraps, and they are thriving.

When employing artificial lights for dormant Venus flytraps, you must ensure their light exposure is appropriate. During the growing season, 12-14 hours of light exposure are optimal. But, during dormancy, such extended periods of light can confuse plants and force them to exit dormancy. Set the daily light exposure to a shorter daily light interval, such as 8-10 hours.

How to Reintroduce Venus Flytraps to Lighting

In the outdoors, Venus flytraps enter and exit dormancy naturally. As the temperatures drop, they enter dormancy, and by the end of winter, they exit dormancy.

If your Venus flytrap lives outdoors, the process of entering and exiting dormancy won’t require much planning. As long as low temperatures drop below 45F for a couple of months, your Venus flytrap will experience dormancy.

When the temperatures start to rise and days get longer at the end of winter, Venus flytrap will exit dormancy. Let outdoor plants exit dormancy naturally. Avoid changing their location until they have exited dormancy to avoid any type of shock.

Indoor Venus flytraps with access to sunlight can also exit dormancy naturally.

Indoor flytraps exposed to artificial lighting will require a little extra planning. Those plants need to be reintroduced to warmer weather and more lighting slowly.

You can increase the number of hours the artificial light is powered on to mimic the outdoors. For example, you can add an extra daily hour or two of light a week (up to 14-16) until your Venus flytrap exits dormancy. Then, your Venus flytrap can be moved outdoors or remain indoors, as long as it has access to enough lighting for the growing season.

Growing Venus flytraps indoors is possible, but it is much more challenging than growing them outdoors. This guide can help you grow Venus flytraps indoors with great success: Venus Flytrap Indoor Care Guide with Downloadable Care Sheet.

Other Care Considerations for Dormant Venus Flytraps

The list below outlines the most important care considerations for Venus flytraps during dormancy. Make sure to review these items before your plant’s first dormancy.

• Continue to water your plant often, but be ready to lower the watering frequency. Dormant Venus flytraps consume less water.
• Do not fertilize Venus flytraps.
• Avoid feeding your Venus flytrap during this period. If it catches a bug on its own, that is ok. But, do not feed it manually.
• Carefully trim and remove dead leaves as they wither.
• Repotting at the end of dormancy is a common and useful practice.

I hope this article helped you learn about Venus flytraps and their dormancy period. For more information on Venus flytrap care, I would like to share this article with you: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide – Free Care Sheet Included.

Propagating Venus flytraps through flower stalk propagation is one of the simplest methods to produce Venus flytrap clones.

The process of propagating Venus flytraps through flower stalk cuttings is uncomplicated. First, cut flower stalks after they grow 2-4 inches. Then, plant the flower stalks in carnivorous plant soil. Finally, provide water and lighting. Flower stalks exhibit growth within 2-5 months.

This article will teach you the exact steps you need to follow to complete a successful flower stalk propagation. Also, I will share some tips with you to increase your chances of success.

Are you looking for information on carnivorous plant care? Read this Venus flytrap care guide. In the guide I share all I know on how to grow healthy Venus flytraps.

This article contains step-by-step instructions, plus you can watch my video on this:

Venus Flytrap Flower Stalk Propagation

Materials for Propagation

You will need the following materials for flower stalk propagation:

• Carnivorous plant soil: You must employ the correct soil type. If you are unfamiliar with how to make or where to buy carnivorous plant soil, you can read this article: The Best Soil Options for Venus Flytrap.
  • You can buy carnivorous plant soil online, like this one I use. Follow the link to confirm the price on Amazon.com (it usually costs less than 10 dollars for a quart.)
• Pure water: Do not employ tap water or bottled water. Instead, only employ: Distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater.
• Pot with drainage: These pots are some good examples of suitable containers for Venus flytraps. Follow the link below to check their specs and their current price on Amazon.
  • Nursery pots: https://amzn.to/421iF1T
• Water tray
• Scissors: The scissors must be sharp and clean.
• A Venus flytrap that is flowering: Remember that Venus flytraps flower in the spring a few weeks after exiting dormancy. Also, in some rare cases.

Venus Flytrap Flower Stalk Propagation Process

Follow the steps below to obtain flower stalk cutting and set them in the right environment for growth.

1.- Prepare a Pot With the Appropriate Soil

In this step, you need to prepare the growing pot for the flower stalk cutting.

First, moisten the carnivorous plant soil with pure water until it is completely saturated with it. I like using a large bowl to mix the soil and the water to ensure the media is humid all around.

Once the soil is moistened, insert it into the pot. Use your fingers to press the ground slightly until the pot is full of soil. Finally, put the pot aside until you get the flower stalk cuttings.

2.- Cut the Flower Stalks Within the Right Timing

Venus flytraps produce flower stalks in the spring. The flower stalks take a few weeks to grow and flower. To increase your chances of success in flower stalk propagation, you must obtain the cuttings before the stalks flower. For best results, obtain the cuttings as soon as the flower stalks reach a length of 2-4 inches.

To extract the flower stalk, cut them with a sharp pair of scissors. Make the cut as close to the base as possible, but avoid harming the bulb or any leaf.

If you need additional information on how to cut the stalks and would like to watch a video, this article has that information: Easy Guide To Remove Venus Fly Trap Flowers.

3.- Divide the Flower Stalks in Smaller Pieces

After you extracted the flower stalk, you can cut it into smaller pieces. The number of pieces will depend on the length of the stalk. The general rule is to divide the flower stalk into segments of at least 2 inches in length.

Use your scissors to divide the full flower stalk into multiple pieces (if applicable).

Pro tip: When cutting the flower stalk into smaller pieces, cut at an angle rather than making a straight cut. This will increase your chances of successfully propagating your plant. Cutting at an angle produces a larger surface area for water intake and root growth.

4.- Plant the Flower Stalks

Now, it is time to set the flower stalk cutting in their growing media.

Stick the flower stalks into the soil vertically. Most of the flower cuttings should remain out of the soil. Only 0.5 an inch of the cutting should go underground. If you made a cut at an angle, make sure that side is set underground.

After planting the flower stalks, you are all set. If you provide appropriate care (info below), you should observe some growth within the next 2-5 months.

Pro tip: For best results, employ a plastic, graced ceramic or Styrofoam container. Those materials do not leach harmful minerals to the soil that can harm Venus fly traps. I like using Styrofoam cups for propagations and young Venus flytraps. Styrofoam cups are inexpensive and you can add drainage holes in the bottom.

How to Care for Venus Flytrap Flower Stalks

Once your flower stalk cuttings are set on their pot, it is of crucial importance to keep them healthy. Follow these instructions to ensure proper care:

• The potting media should remain humid at all times. Employ the water tray method to ensure a proper humidity level:
  • Place the pot on top of the water tray.
  • Fill up the tray with water up to 1 inch in depth.
  • Continue to refill the tray as the water level lowers.
• The biggest mistake people make when caring for flower stalk cuttings is letting them dry out. To avoid this, use a mister and spray the leaf cuttings as often as you can.
• Place your cuttings under sunlight or artificial lighting for at least 6 hours a day. The cuttings should be exposed to the same lighting your Venus flytrap plants receive.
  • I use this LED plant light for some of the Venus flytraps I own and my plants are healthy. The plant light has the appropriate lumen level and color spectrum. Also, it comes with a built-in timer to turn on/off automatically.
• Always water with distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater. This article gives you all the details on how to water Venus flytraps.
• Do not apply any fertilizers to the soil or the stalk cuttings. Even a small amount of minerals or nutrients can kill any growth coming from the cuttings.
• Avoid moving the cuttings or removing them from the soil. Stress can damage roots developing from the cutting.

Venus flytrap flower stalk propagation is not a complicated process. But, it can take several months to show any progress. Also, this process is not always effective. Leaf cuttings or reproduction via seeds tend to be more effective methods.

If you are interested in propagating Venus flytraps through other methods, make sure to read this article: 4 Propagation Methods for Venus Flytraps. It explains propagation steps through flower pollination, rhizome divisions, leaf-cutting, and flower stalk cutting.

Is Cutting Venus Flytrap Flower Stalks Necessary?

Venus flytraps spend substantial amounts of energy producing flowers. The production of flowers in a Venus flytrap won’t kill the plant, but it will slow its growth.

Many opt for cutting flower stalks off Venus flytraps before they flower to prevent energy drainage. Skipping the flowering process gives the plant more energy to focus on growing and dividing through the season.

When people are inexperienced at growing Venus flytraps, it is recommended to skip the flowering process. If a Venus flytrap is growing in unsuitable conditions, it can die after flowering due to the energy drainage. The plant does not die due to the flowering process, but it perishes because of the poor growing conditions.

I have made the decision diagram below to help you assess whether it is safe to let your plant flower.

Personally, I almost always skip the flowering process. The flowers are not impressive. And, unless I plan to obtain seeds, flowering is unnecessary.

Without flowers, you will be unable to collect seeds. But, cutting the flower stalks allows you to experiment with another reproduction method: flower stalk propagation. And, as you have learned in this article, the flower stalk propagation process is uncomplicated.

For a more in-depth analysis of the flowering process and to help you make a decision on removing those flower stalks early on, read this article on Venus flytrap flowers.

With this article, you have learned about the Venus flytrap flower stalk propagation process. But, there is much more to learn about Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants. For more information, I suggest these comprehensive articles:

•  Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide
• 10 Fascinating Types of Carnivorous Plants
• Why is My Venus Flytrap Changing Color? – Color Meanings
• 12 Reasons Why a Venus Flytrap is Unhealthy (with solutions)

Watering Venus flytraps appropriately can be a challenge as Venus flytraps need precise watering and humidity levels to remain healthy.

Venus flytraps need to be watered every 2 to 4 days, depending on the season. The soil must be humid at all times but not flooded or soggy.

One way to water your Venus fly trap perfectly every time is by using the water tray method. Place the plant pot in a tray and fill up the tray with 1-2 inches of water. Let the plant consume the water and refill as soon as the tray dries out.

Important Note: Never employ tap water or bottled water as these can be very harmful for Venus fly traps. Always water your plant with pure water, such as distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater.

For many, it is a challenge to find the perfect balance of how much water do Venus flytraps need. This article will teach you how much to water a Venus flytrap to avoid overwatering and underwatering.

How Much Water Does a Venus Flytrap Need?

Venus flytraps are native to South Carolina and North Carolina in the United States. In the wild, they are exposed to high humidity levels year-round and plenty of rainfall. When growing Venus flytraps at home, you must try to replicate its native habitat, including the watering frequency.

Venus flytraps require an above average amount of water. They must be water often and thoroughly until the soil is moist all around. Then, there is no need to water until the soil is slightly less humid.

After watering a Venus flytrap, you should be able to press the soil and sense the humidity throughout without it being soaked.

The specific watering frequency varies greatly with different environmental conditions. For that reason, testing the humidity in the soil by pressing on it is a better strategy.

I live in an area with extremely hot summers (110 F+). During the summer months, I water my plants almost every day. But, in more mild weather or indoors, you might only need to water your plant a couple of times a week.

Overwatering and underwatering Venus flytraps is dangerous for the health of the plant as they cause root rot or even death.

• Signs of overwatering: Presence of algae or white mold in the soil
• Signs of underwatering: Droopy and dried up leaves

Besides water your fly trap correctly, it is key that you employ suitable soil. Here is a guide that lists the best soil options.

The Water Tray Method

The water tray method is extremely useful for watering carnivorous plants. It allows you to water your plant the exact right amount and keep your Venus flytraps healthy.

The water tray method is optimal for Venus flytraps. Here is how it works:

• Obtain a shallow plastic or glazed ceramic tray
• Place your plant’s pot inside the water tray
• Fill the water tray with pure water (distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater) until it reaches 1-2 inches in depth
• Refill the water as soon as the tray dries up.

Employing the water tray method will ensure the soil for your Venus flytrap remains humid but never exceeds the required humidity. Also, it is advantageous to hold a small water reserve, which gives you more flexibility.

I refill the trays for my Venus flytraps once or twice a week. If I am out of town for a few days, it is safe to leave them with a tray full of water.

This method requires a pot with drainage. Consider repotting your plant if their pot lack drainage. It is challenging to grow Venus flytraps without drainage holes.

Watering From the Bottom vs Top

With the water tray method, plants are watered from the bottom rather than the top. Watering from the top is the most common practice, and it is suitable for Venus flytraps. However, it tends to be more challenging as it is difficult to find the perfect balance.

Watering from the bottom is a popular strategy among carnivorous plant owners as it prevents overwatering and promotes root growth. The roots of the plant are encouraged to grow and have easier access to the tray water.

There are some variations of the water tray method depending on the type of soil employed and your plant’s life stage. The next sections will expand on these subjects.

Watering Different Types of Soil

Different soil composition requires changes in the watering frequency. Some Venus flytrap owners employ pure moss, either peat or long-fibered sphagnum moss. Others use a mixture of moss with a drainage and aeration agent, such as sand and perlite.

There is no exact rule of how much water to employ for each soil type, but here is some advice:

• When employing potting media of pure moss, pay close attention to the watering levels to avoid overwatering. Pure moss tends to retain water and does not offer optimal drainage.
• A combination of moss and sand or perlite is optimal for Venus flytraps. Still, always test the soil after watering. Make sure it is always humid but not muddy. The sand or perlite will help keep excessive moisture away from the roots.

Watering Level Changes Through Venus Flytrap Life Stages

As Venus flytraps develop, their watering requirements change. Also, you will need to adjust the watering frequency for different seasons.

The list below includes specific considerations for watering Venus flytraps at a particular growth cycle.

• Seeds: Venus flytraps need very high humidity to germinate. They sometimes require a closed container with plenty of water and a high humidity index. When watering seeds, do not drown them. But, add a higher amount of water than usual. The soil must be saturated with water. A dry environment can kill them, and since seeds do not have roots yet, there is no risk of root rot from overwatering.
• Leaf-cutting or pullings: Propagating Venus flytraps requires a very humid environment. Just like seeds, make sure the soil remains very humid. Overwatering is preferred from underwatering. The ground can be soggy during this stage.
• Seedlings: Once a Venus flytrap has developed from seeds or leaf cuttings, it does not need excessive moisture. It requires humid but not soggy environments.
• Young/ Adult Venus flytraps: Keep the soil humid at all times, but avoid flooding it and letting it dry out.

Throughout the year, Venus flytraps might consume more or less water. For example, during the growing season, Venus flytraps increase their water consumption. Also, the hot weather tends to evaporate some of the water.

When Venus flytraps go dormant, their watering consumption will lower noticeably. This is not an issue, but just a seasonal change.

Overwatering vs Underwatering a Venus Flytrap

Both overwatering and underwatering are harmful to Venus flytraps. They can weaken the plant and eventually kill it.

Underwatering a Venus flytrap will weaken it substantially. The plant will start looking down or droopy (read article on how to fix droopy Venus Flytraps). And the leaves will begin drying up. If the soil dries up completely, the plant can dry up with it and die. A plant won’t recover if the bulb dries up.

Overwatering a Venus flytrap is also very harmful. A few signs can help us determine if a plan has been overwatered. First, they might develop a layer of white mold in the soil. The mold won’t kill the plant, but it is a sign of excessive moisture. Also, algae developing on the water tray is a sign of excessive humidity without enough sunlight.

You can eliminate white mold from your plant by following the instructions in this article.

Venus flytraps can develop root rot when they are overwatered. Root rot is a serious condition; it eats up the plant roots and ultimately kills it. Luckily, it is possible to save a Venus flytrap suffering from root rot (here is how you solve it). The video below outlines the steps:

As you learned, there are adverse effects for both underwatering and overwatering. Adjust the watering frequency for your Venus flytrap accordingly. To ensure success, employ a pot with drainage and preferably choose a soil with enough aeration and drainage (Venus Flytrap Soil Guide).

Generally, underwatering can kill Venus flytraps a lot faster than overwatering. For that reason, when in doubt, I would recommend more water rather than less.

The watering process for Venus flytraps is critical to keep them thriving. But, many other factors can greatly affect these beautiful and unique plants. For all additional Venus flytrap care information, you can read this article: Ultimate Venus Flytrap Care Guide – Free Care Sheet Included.

You have learned how often to water a Venus flytrap, but other factors also affect the watering process. For your reference, this article contains a complete guide!

Best of luck growing Venus flytraps and have fun!