The Venus Flytrap is one of the most widely recognized carnivorous plants on the planet. It is
known for its large, mouth-like trap. It most frequently appears as a bright green plant with an
interior trap of bright pink or red. In addition, tentacles extend from the top and bottom of the
trap, giving the impression of large teeth. A venus flytrap appears like a monstrous mouth,
which is one of the reasons it’s so prevalent in Saturday- morning cartoons (and you would be
forgiven if that’s the only place you’ve ever “seen” one).
Dionaea muscipula is the sole species and genus for Venus Flytraps, but this doesn’t mean it
only comes in one shape and color. There are many “cultivars” (a plant variety that has been
produced in cultivation by selective breeding) of this particular carnivorous plant. Some Venus
Flytraps are all red, while others have enormous “mouths.” The care for all cultivars is the same,
so which varietal you choose is largely down to personal preference.
Venus Flytraps get their colloquial name from the fact that they do indeed eat flies. However,
they’re not particularly selective and will eat most insects and spiders that cross its path from
tiny fruit flies all the way to full-grown grasshoppers. In addition, they only grow in nature in one
part of the world: the coastal regions of North and South Carolina in the United States. Dionaea
muscipula are particular about their climate, which explains their infrequency around the globe.
Dionaea muscipula are not known to be easy to grow, but armed with the right tools, beginner
carnivorous plant owners can still be successful.
To start, you’ll want to imitate their natural growing environment. Venus Flytraps prefer moderate
climates with ample humidity. During the day, they prefer temperatures between 70-75
Fahrenheit and no colder than 55 Fahrenheit overnight. They need at least 60 percent humidity
which makes them excellent candidates for greenhouses or terrariums. Suppose you don’t wish
to grow your Dionaea muscipula in a terrarium. In that case, you can keep them around other
plants, fill a shallow dish with stones and water, or even add a humidifier to ensure optimal
humidity levels.
They naturally grow in wet, well-draining soil, and so you will need to plant your Venus Flytrap in
a soil mix specially designed for carnivorous plants or to create a mixture ideal to their needs
(learn more here).
Of course, your Dionaea muscipula will also need regular feedings. Avoid plant fertilizers at all
costs as they will damage the roots. Instead, make sure your plant is getting plenty of insects. If
you live in a warm enough climate to leave your Venus Flytrap outside for most of the year, it will
procure its own food. However, if you’re keeping it as an indoor plant, you’ll want to keep an eye
on how many insects it’s trapping on its own and supplement with freeze-dried insects as
necessary.