Plant Library

Other Names:  Venus Fly Trap

Description:

An interesting native carnivorous plant that traps insects with specially adapted leaves; best in consistently moist soil, with strict cultural care provided; as a houseplant, sun, humidity, and a period of winter dormancy must be provided

Features & Attributes

Venus Flytrap features dainty spikes of white star-shaped flowers with chartreuse eyes rising above the foliage from mid to late spring. Its attractive glossy narrow leaves remain lime green in color with showy red variegation throughout the year.

This is an open herbaceous houseplant with an upright spreading habit of growth. This plant may benefit from an occasional pruning to look its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Venus Flytrap can be expected to grow to be only 5 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 inches. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. This houseplant will do well in a location that gets either direct or indirect sunlight, although it will usually require a more brightly-lit environment than what artificial indoor lighting alone can provide. It prefers to grow in moist to almost wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. As such, the surface of the soil should be kept consistently moist to the touch, and you can expect to water this plant two or more times each week, especially if it's growing in a lower-humidity environment. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must be grown in rich, acidic soil to ensure success. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --