Venus Flytrap

Dionaea muscipulaAlso known as: VFT, Dionaea, Flytrap

The Venus Flytrap is the world's most famous carnivorous plant, native exclusively to a small region of North and South Carolina wetlands. Its iconic snap-traps catch and digest insects to supplement nutrients in its native nutrient-poor bog environment. Growing 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in diameter, it requires specific care but rewards with fascinating behavior.

Hard Care

bright-direct

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
bright-direct

Temperature Range
35-95°F (2-35°C)

Ideal Temp
75°F (24°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Keep soil consistently moist - water tray method
Summer	Keep standing water in tray at all times
Fall	Reduce slightly as dormancy approaches
Winter	Keep barely moist during dormancy

ONLY use distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water minerals WILL kill the plant.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Never fertilize through soil
Summer	Optional: feed insects to traps (not required)
Fall	No fertilizing
Winter	No fertilizing

NEVER use fertilizer. The plant gets nutrients from insects. Fertilizer will kill it.

Pruning

Frequency: Remove dead traps as needed

Best Season: Any time

Black, dead traps can be trimmed at the base. Flower stalks can be removed to preserve plant energy.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 1-2 years

Best Season: Late winter, before growth starts

Use only pure peat moss and perlite mix. Never use regular potting soil or any soil with fertilizer.

Flowering

Season
Late spring

Color
White flowers on tall stalks

Small white flowers on 6-12 inch (15-30 cm) stalks. Many growers remove flower stalks as flowering weakens the plant.

Propagation Methods

Leaf cuttings in moist medium
Division of rhizome
Seeds (very slow, 3-5 years to mature)

Common Problems

Black, dying leaves: Often mineral buildup from tap water
Traps not closing: Exhausted from being triggered repeatedly - stop touching them
Rot: Too much water without dormancy, or poor drainage
No new growth: Needs winter dormancy to thrive long-term

Pro Tips

REQUIRES winter dormancy (3-4 months at 35-50F/2-10C) to survive long-term
Each trap only closes 3-4 times before dying - don't trigger unnecessarily
Outdoor growing in appropriate climates produces the healthiest plants
Never feed traps hamburger, fish, or other human food - insects only

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