Category: Venus Flytrap

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

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

1. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea Muscipula)

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

Care Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

More Information

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

2. Butterwort (Pinguicula)

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

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

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

Care Considerations

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

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

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

More Information

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

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

3. California Pitcher Plant (Darlingtonia Californica)

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

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

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

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

Care Considerations

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

4. Yellow Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia flava)

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

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

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

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

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

Care Considerations

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

Conservation

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

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

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

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

5. Drosera Capensis

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

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

Propagation and Care

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interesting Facts

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

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

6. Nephentes Alata

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

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

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

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

Adaptations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

7. Drosera Aliciae (Alice sundew)

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

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

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

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

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

Care Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

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

Medical Properties

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

Good thing that this species is not threatened nor endangered.

8. Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)

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

This species grows from three to five centimeters.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

Multiple Uses

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

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

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

9. Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda Vesiculosa)

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

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

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

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

Survival

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

It prefers tiny insects and small fishes or tadpoles.

Conservation Efforts

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

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

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

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

10. Aquatic Bladderworts (Utricularia Vulgaris)

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

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

We find them in South America and also in Australia.

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

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

Environment

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

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

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

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

Bug Trapping Mechanism

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

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

Medicinal Use and Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venus Flytrap Cotton Germination

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

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

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

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

The Best Potting Media for Venus Flytraps

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

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

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

You can also make your own carnivorous plant soil.

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

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

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

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

Venus Flytrap Seed Germination Instructions

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

Germinate your seeds by following the instructions below.

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

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

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

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

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

A few more tips…

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

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

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

Further Care

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

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

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

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

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

Is Touching a Venus Fly Trap Safe?

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

Effect on the Venus Flytrap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Effects on Humans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Handle Venus Flytrap

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

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

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

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

Other Venus Flytrap Care Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

Why Is My Venus Fly Trap Closed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Venus Flytrap Is Consuming a Bug

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

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

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

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

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

It Closed by Mistake

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

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

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

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

The Leaf Is Dying

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

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

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

Why Are All My Venus Flytrap Traps Closed?

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

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

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

Stress Due to Shipping

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact During Potting and Repotting

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Are Venus Flytraps Poisonous?

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

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

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

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

Can Venus Flytraps Bite?

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

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

Is It Viable to Grow a Venus Flytrap Indoors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Keep Venus Flytraps Away From Pets

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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.

Water

Together with lighting, you must also provide appropriate amounts of water. First, Venus flytraps can only be watered with distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Place the plant pot on top of the shallow tray.
3. Pour the pure water sourced described in step one in the tray. Fill up the trap until the water is 1 inch deep.
4. Do not water again until the tray has dried up. Then, fill up the tray again to reach a maximum of one inch.
5. 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.

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.

Double-check the area where you are located offers suitable temperatures for Venus flytraps and consider this option. This article describes the temperature requirements and other care considerations.

Focus on Proper Feeding

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.

You can find the complete instructions on how to trim Venus flytraps HERE: Venus Flytrap Trimming Guide.

Remove the Waste

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:

• Do not feed human food to Venus flytraps
• Dead and live bugs are both suitable food options for carnivorous plants
• 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.

Buy dried-up crickets online, and have enough food to keep your plant healthy for several years. Here is a link, to the brand I currently use.

This article lists different food options for Venus Flytraps.

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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.

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.

It is not the end of the world when a Venus flytrap loses a single leaf. Still, continuing this practice can kill more leaves and weaken the plant substantially. Also, the withered leaf containing the piece of meat can attract pests such as mold or fungus (this is how you can get rid mold in the soil)  (this is how you can get rid mold in the soil) .

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.

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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