Species Venus fly trap Guide
a lime-green leaf with a brown-maroon center

Venus fly trap

Dionaea muscipula 'Cup-shaped'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Thorny:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The Venus flytrap should be watered sparingly, about once every 2 to 3 weeks. However, during periods of dormancy (usually during the colder months), watering should be reduced even further. The best way to water the Venus flytrap is to soak the soil evenly with room temperature distilled water, being careful not to over-saturate it. Venus flytraps prefer to have very moist soil; however, be careful not to let the plant sit in water as this will cause it to rot. The Venus flytrap should not be watered with tap water or soft water (anything containing salts) because the salts may cause irritation to the plant.

sunlight

For optimal growth and health, Venus fly traps (Dionaea muscipula 'Cup-shaped') should be exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, the plants should be positioned in a south-facing spot that receives full sun from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If this is not possible, consider supplementing the natural light supply with artificial light. Make sure that the light is positioned close enough to the plant to ensure adequate exposure.

pruning

It is recommended to prune a Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula 'Cup-shaped') twice a year: once in early spring and once in the fall. The amount of pruning depends on the individual plant and the desired shape and size of the plant. Generally, the goal is to keep the plant around 12 inches in height with an even spread of foliage so it is best to err on the side of caution and remove only a few leaves at a time. However, if the goal is to contain the size of the plant, larger pruning more than twice a year may be necessary. If looking to propagate the plant, some sources suggest taking 3-5 leaves off at a time, but never more than half of the total leaves of the plant.

FAQ

Could Venus flytraps be grown in terrariums?

Yes, Venus flytraps can be grown in terrariums! A terrarium is a great option for Venus flytraps as they thrive in a humid environment. To begin with, ensure that the container you are using is waterproof with good drainage holes, and that it will provide enough space for the plants roots. When positioning the terrarium, make sure it is placed in a location with lots of bright but indirect sunlight and away from drafty windows. Then, it is important to provide the right substrate or potting mix for the Venus flytrap and to water regularly. However, be sure not to overwater your Venus flytrap as too much water can lead to root rot. Lastly, when pruning your Venus flytrap, use sterilized scissors and do not trim more than one-third of the plant at a time.