How to grow Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytraps)
One of the most popular carnivorous plants, the Venus flytrap captures its prey using rapidly closing traps that resemble bear traps. These traps are triggered by sensitive hairs that, when touched, activate the trap’s closure. This species consists of only one representative, but many cultivated forms and mutations exist. Below is a concise guide How to grow Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytraps), organized by the conditions they require:
Light conditions: Provide maximum possible light. A south-facing window is ideal, but east- or west-facing windows also work.
Temperature: Maintain normal room temperature. The plants thrive when summered outdoors. During winter, reduce temperatures to 5–10°C.
Substrate: Use clean fibrous peat mixed with silica sand or perlite in a 2:1 ratio.
Humidity: They prefer fresh air and should not be placed in glass bowls or paludariums. The plants do not require misting.
Watering: The plants should always stand in water. Water from below by placing the pot in a shallow tray. An ideal water level is approximately 1–2 cm. In winter, reduce watering, maintaining a water level of about 0–1 cm. The substrate must not dry out, even in winter.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, the plants can be „fed“ with insects if they cannot catch their own prey. If prey is available, they will capture it themselves. Other forms of fertilizing are unsuitable.
Photographs of Venus flytrap clones can be viewed in the „My Collection“ section.