Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are unique carnivorous plants known for their iconic hinged traps that snap shut to capture insects. Native to boggy areas primarily in North and South Carolina, their distinctive feeding mechanism makes them a captivating addition to any plant collection.
Finding and Selecting Your Venus Flytrap at Lowe’s
Venus Flytraps are often available at large retailers like Lowe’s, typically found in the garden center or near succulents and houseplants. They are generally sold seasonally, with availability peaking from mid-spring to mid-autumn. When selecting a plant, look for vibrant green leaves and firm, responsive traps. Avoid plants with excessive blackening on the leaves or traps, or those that appear wilted, dull in color, or sparse.
The plants at Lowe’s usually come in small plastic containers, often with a clear plastic dome to maintain humidity. These plants typically range in price, with young plants costing between $4 and $15, depending on their size and the retailer. Ensure the plant’s soil is moist but not waterlogged, and check for any signs of pests.
Bringing Your New Venus Flytrap Home
Upon bringing your Venus Flytrap home, allow it to acclimate to its new environment. Repotting may be necessary if the plant is in a very small or unsuitable pot, as store-bought soil can be harmful. Place your new plant in a location with ample light, such as a sunny windowsill.
Essential Long-Term Care for Venus Flytraps
Consistent watering is crucial for Venus Flytraps, as they thrive in continuously moist conditions like bog plants. Always use distilled, rainwater, or RO water, as tap water minerals can harm the roots. The tray method is recommended: place the pot in a saucer with 1 to 2 inches of water, allowing the plant to absorb from the bottom. Let the tray dry out before refilling, but never let the soil dry completely.
Venus Flytraps require bright, direct sunlight to thrive, ideally at least 4 to 6 hours daily. Outdoor placement is often ideal for full sun exposure. If growing indoors, a south-facing windowsill is suitable, or supplement with strong LED grow lights positioned about 6 to 12 inches above the plant for 12-16 hours per day. Insufficient light can lead to pale, elongated, and weak leaves.
The soil mix for Venus Flytraps must be nutrient-poor and acidic to mimic their natural bog habitat. A common and effective mix is a 1:1 ratio of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or horticultural sand. Avoid regular potting soil, compost, or anything with added fertilizers, as these will kill the plant by burning its roots. Ensure the peat moss and perlite/sand are free of added nutrients.
While Venus Flytraps are carnivorous, they produce their own food through photosynthesis. Insects serve as a supplemental nutrient source. If grown outdoors, they typically catch enough food on their own. For indoor plants, you can feed them live insects like crickets or mealworms, ensuring the insect fits entirely within the trap. Feed only one trap every two to four weeks, and never feed human food, which can cause the trap to rot.
Venus Flytraps require a dormancy period during winter for long-term health, typically lasting 3 to 4 months. This period is triggered by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, ideally between 35 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During dormancy, growth slows significantly, and some traps may blacken. Reduce watering frequency, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect outdoor plants from prolonged freezing.
Troubleshooting Common Venus Flytrap Issues
Blackening traps or leaves are common and often indicate normal aging, as each trap has a limited lifespan of about three months. However, widespread blackening can signal underlying problems such as overwatering, poor water quality from tap water, or insufficient light. Ensuring proper water and light conditions can help prevent excessive blackening.
If traps are not closing, several factors could be at play. The trap might be exhausted from previous closures, as each trap can only close a finite number of times. Insufficient light can also reduce the plant’s energy, making traps sluggish or unable to close. Additionally, false alarms or lack of proper stimulation of the trigger hairs can prevent closure.
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated, weak leaves, is a clear sign of insufficient light. To correct this, move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight. For pest issues, Venus Flytraps are generally not heavily affected, but aphids are a common concern. These can be gently removed manually or by washing them off with water. Avoid using chemical insecticides, as they can harm the plant.