Venus Fly Trap 3"

Light:

• Venus flytraps need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain their vibrant colors and function properly.

• If grown indoors, place the plant near a bright, sunny window (south-facing is ideal) or use a grow light for 12-16 hours a day.

Watering:

• Venus flytraps are very sensitive to water quality. Use only distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water contains minerals that can harm the plant.

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. The best method is to place the pot in a shallow dish of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture from the bottom.

• Never let the soil dry out, especially during the growing season (spring to summer).

Soil:

• Use a specialized soil mix for carnivorous plants, which typically consists of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or sand. Avoid potting soil, compost, or any nutrient-rich soils, as Venus flytraps prefer nutrient-poor, acidic soil.

• The soil should be well-draining, but able to retain moisture.

Humidity:

• Venus flytraps do well in moderate to high humidity but can adapt to lower indoor humidity if they have adequate water.

• If your environment is very dry, consider placing the plant in a terrarium to maintain humidity levels.

Temperature:

• Venus flytraps prefer temperatures between 70°F and 95°F during the growing season.

• During winter dormancy, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F to 50°F 

Feeding:

• Do not feed them human food (meat, cheese, etc.), as this can rot the traps.

• If the plant catches an insect, it will close the trap and digest the insect over the course of a week or two before reopening.

Dormancy:

• Venus flytraps need a winter dormancy period of 3-4 months. This typically occurs from late fall to early spring.

• During dormancy, reduce watering (but don’t let the soil dry out completely), and place the plant in a cooler environment (about 32°F to 50°F).

• The traps may die back and the plant will look unhealthy, but this is normal. After dormancy, new growth will emerge.

 Repotting:

• Repot your Venus flytrap every 1-2 years in fresh carnivorous plant soil. This is best done in the early spring before the plant comes out of dormancy.

 Pests & Diseases:

• Venus flytraps are relatively pest-resistant, but they can occasionally suffer from aphids, spider mites, or fungal infections.

• Treat pests with insecticidal soap, and ensure good air circulation to prevent mold or fungal issues. Avoid using chemical pesticides, as they can harm the plant.

Extra Tips:

• Avoid triggering the traps unnecessarily. Each trap can only close a limited number of times (3-5) before it dies off, so don’t poke them for fun.

• Don’t fertilize your Venus flytrap. It gets its nutrients from the insects it catches.

• Patience: Venus flytraps are slow growers, and it can take time to see noticeable growth or trap development.