The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a captivating carnivorous plant, well-known for its distinctive method of capturing prey. Native to the wetlands of North and South Carolina, this plant thrives in boggy, acidic soils that are naturally poor in nutrients. Its unique “trap” consists of two hinged lobes at the end of each leaf, which are lined with sensitive hair-like projections. These specialized leaves swiftly snap shut when stimulated, a rapid movement that allows the plant to ensnare insects.
Rolly Pollies and Your Venus Flytrap
While a Venus Flytrap can technically attempt to consume a rolly polly, also known as a pill bug or sow bug, it is generally not an optimal food source. Rolly pollies possess a hard exoskeleton, which is difficult for the plant to break down and can lead to the trap blackening or rotting if digestion is unsuccessful. Furthermore, their nutritional contribution may not be as beneficial compared to other prey. Even if small enough, their hard bodies can prevent a complete, airtight seal, risking bacterial growth and decay within the trap. Therefore, while the plant might close around a rolly polly, the outcome is often less than ideal for the Venus Flytrap’s long-term health.
The Ideal Diet for Venus Flytraps
Venus Flytraps primarily supplement their diet with soft-bodied insects and arachnids found in their natural environment. Their typical prey includes flies, mosquitoes, small spiders, and ants. These insects provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are scarce in the boggy, nutrient-poor soils where these plants grow. This carnivorous habit allows Venus Flytraps to obtain necessary building blocks for growth not readily available through their roots alone, helping them flourish. When growing outdoors, these plants typically capture all the food they require naturally.
Safe Feeding Practices
When feeding a Venus Flytrap, proper techniques and suitable prey are important. For indoor plants, live insects are preferable as their movements stimulate trigger hairs, ensuring a complete seal and proper digestion. If using freeze-dried options like mealworms or bloodworms, manually stimulate the trigger hairs with a toothpick after the trap closes to initiate digestion.
Prey size is important; the insect should be no larger than one-third the size of the trap to allow for a full seal. Overly large prey can lead to trap rot if the plant cannot fully enclose and digest the meal. Feed infrequently, perhaps once every three to six weeks per trap, as Venus Flytraps do not require constant feeding. It is recommended to feed only one trap per plant at a time.
Never offer human food like meat or sugary snacks, which cause rot and attract harmful bacteria and mold. Large insects that could damage the trap or those treated with pesticides should also be avoided. Applying traditional plant fertilizers to the soil is detrimental, as Venus Flytraps are adapted to nutrient-poor environments.