Dionaea Muscipula – Venus Fly Trap is possibly the most well known of the carnivorous family.

Most people we meet at the shows have had one when they were younger (and are still trying to stick their fingers in the traps). They are easy to care for, requiring similar conditions to the other varieties of carnivorous plants we sell.

How they feed:

The Venus Fly Trap does exactly what it says on the tin. They produce nectar to attract insects. Their colouring has a similar effect. They usually have three trigger hairs on each side of the trap, and if two of these trigger hairs are stimulated, the trap is sprung. Increased movement causes the trap to close tighter and tighter. The insect is “squeezed” and the juice digested.

How to care for your plant:

Summer

1. Full sunshine, in- or outdoors
2. Rainwater only, sit in water (on a saucer or tray)
3. Feeding: If you are worried, and your plant is indoors, stick it outside on a sunny day and watch it go to work

Winter

1. We recommend a cool, airy, light area, frost free (under 10°C is preferable), full sun if possible.
2. The plants will have a dormancy period. This can vary from going totally underground to browning of the leaves (remove).
3. During the dormancy period, the main risk to the plant is rotting caused by fungal diseases. It is therefore important to reduce the watering, just keeping the plant damp, but not to let the plant dry out completely.