Carnivorous plants are fascinating creatures. Each has a very peculiar method to capture and consume prey. Venus flytraps are particularly interesting. Their jaw-like leaves lure potential victims and wait patiently.
Venus flytraps only grow naturally in two states of the United States: South Carolina and North Carolina. There they develop in a unique habitat. Still, as a carnivorous plant enthusiast, you can buy Venus flytrap in several brick and mortar stores and some online shops.
This short article covers the basics of buying a Venus flytrap: price, shopping locations, and tips. You can be a proud Venus flytrap owner in no time!
Venus Flytrap Price
Venus flytraps are not expensive. You can buy a single plant for as low as $10. If you purchase several of them, the price becomes more economical, sometimes to $5 per plant. Keep in mind that mature plants and unique varieties are more expensive.
Shopping Options
When you buy Venus flytraps, you can opt for a few different options:
- Seeds: When you grow Venus flytrap from seeds, then you get the whole experience. However, it can be challenging to take care of the seedling. Also, consider that you can harvest your own seeds if you buy an already grown plant.
- Young Venus flytrap: It takes 2 to 4 years for Venus flytraps to reach maturity.
- Mature plants: Mature Venus flytraps are a few years old. They produce flowers every spring and can propagate.
- Terrarium: Some vendors sell Venus flytraps inside terrariums. Venus flytraps grow well in a terrarium. Yet, I will discourage you from buying one that is sealed completely. Those are just for display; you can’t take the plant out and let it grow to its full splendor.
- Red Venus flytrap: The Akai Ryu (“Red Dragon” in Japanese) is a variation of the Venus flytrap that exhibits a deep red color over the whole leaves. This variation of Venus flytrap is a lot more uncommon, but you will still be able to find some online. More information here: Red Venus Flytrap Exist and they are Awesome
- Blue Venus flytrap: I wanted to add this note to make sure you do not get scammed. Blue Venus flytraps do not exist. There were some fake pictures of blue Venus flytraps circling the Internet. But, they are all fake. Do not fall for the trap of buying them.
Where to Buy Venus Flytrap?
The three most common places were you can buy carnivorous plants and Venus flytraps specifically are specialized online shops, brick and mortar stores, and Amazon.
Specialized Online Shops
Specialized shops are always great options. Some carry extensive selections of carnivorous plants from all other the world. So, you can buy different types of plants and add them to your collection.
Here are a few good options to shop for Venus flytraps:
- predatoryplants.com
- carnivorousplantnursery.com
- californiacarnivores.com
- petflytrap.com
- flytrapcare.com/store/
Brick and Mortar Stores
I have seen live Venus flytraps sold in hardware and grocery stores, like Home Depot and Walmart. They usually only carry one kind, but it is great to be able to see the plant before you buy it.
Since they are large stores, some plants might be stored for considerable periods of time. Make sure the plant is in good condition before you buy it. Decoloration or sluggish looks are warning signs.
There are several dozens of Venus flytrap sellers in Amazon. You can find a large selection of seeds, Venus flytraps, soil, and related supplies. I have had positive experiences buying through Amazon, but generally, keep an eye for the reviews and plant information.
Additional Supplies to Buy
Some plants come with a growing kit. Others are just shipped on their own. Regardless, make sure you have the supplies below all at once when you are ready to pot your plant.
Pot: Use plastic or ceramic containers. Mature Venus flytraps develop better when grown in their own cup (4-5 inches in diameter). Larger pots are suitable to group several plants. Just make sure to give each plant its space. Also, all containers should be at least 5 inches in depth.
Soil: The best ground for Venus flytrap is nutrient-free and with good drainage. You can find many carnivorous plant soils in the market. Also, you can make your own by mixing a combination of Long-fibered sphagnum moss, sphagnum peat moss, sand, and perlite.
Water: You can not water Venus flytrap with tap water. You need distilled water, reverse osmosis water, or rainwater (no exceptions here).
Lighting: Venus flytraps require plenty of light. Make sure you have a bright spot at home. Also, plant lights are an excellent option to provide a stable light source. High-output fluorescent lights are optimal for Venus flytraps.
Are Venus flytrap growing kits worth it?
Growing kits are worth it if you are just getting started with carnivorous plants. They usually come with all the supplies you need. Also, sometimes they include a valuable care sheet.
You can also review our Venus Flytrap Care Article. There is plenty of information there to help you keep your Venus flytrap thriving!
Shopping Tips
- Make sure to buy or gather all the potting supplies (pot, light, water, and soil) by the time your Venus flytrap arrives.
- I recommend young or mature Venus flytraps for novice growers. Germinating seeds and caring for seedlings requires more involvement and knowledge of care considerations.
- Do not shop for plants that have lived in improper conditions for a long time. Some brick and mortar stores stock them on shelves with poor lighting and no water for weeks. In those cases, the plants might be too weak to save.
- Avoid buying Venus flytraps that claim to be of exotic colors. Red Venus flytraps do exist, but I a not aware of other Venus flytrap varieties of uncommon shades. Unfortunately, some online vendors advertise fake products.
