Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as Venus flytrap, thrives in the wetlands of North and South Carolina. Sporting green leaves resembling hinged jaws, it possesses the remarkable ability to snap shut, ensnaring and consuming insects. The interior of the trap exhibits vibrant hues of red or orange and emits a sweet fragrance to allure its prey. Universally acclaimed and cultivated, Venus flytrap stands as the most globally renowned carnivorous plant.
Growing Venus fly traps from seeds is a fun and rewarding endeavor for any gardener. With the right techniques, you’ll be on your way to raising a crop of these fascinating carnivorous plants in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about germinating venus fly trap seeds.
When and Where to Get Venus Fly Trap Seeds
The first step is acquiring venus fly trap seeds. In the Northern hemisphere, venus fly traps bloom and produce seeds from April to June. By late June or early July, fresh seeds from that season will be available for purchase at nurseries or online retailers that specialize in carnivorous plants.
You may also be able to harvest seeds from your own existing fly trap plants or obtain seeds from fellow gardening enthusiasts who do this When storing seeds for future use, keep them in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain viability Properly stored seeds can remain good for germination for at least a year.
Soil Mixture and Container
Venus fly traps require a specific soil mixture for optimal germination and growth. The recommended mix is a 1 1 ratio of sphagnum peat moss and silica sand with a bit of added perlite. The peat and sand provide texture while the perlite improves drainage. You can also use long-fibered sphagnum moss instead of peat. Do not use potting soil compost or commercial mixes that contain fertilizer or nutrients, as these will harm the fly trap seedlings.
It’s best to use distilled or rain water when preparing the soil mixture. Tap water may have minerals that can build up and adversely affect the sensitive fly trap plants.
For the germination container, a plastic container or seed starting tray with a ventilated lid works well. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom and that the lid allows for airflow. You can also use a regular nursery pot with plastic wrap over the top as long as it’s ventilated.
Planting Depth and Temperature
Plant the fly trap seeds on the surface of the moistened soil mixture. Do not bury them or press down. Simply scatter evenly across the top. Then sift a very light layer of sphagnum peat moss over the top just to cover the seeds. Light is needed for germination so don’t cover too deeply.
Venus fly traps germinate best at temperatures between 78°F to 90°F. Consider placing the container on a heat mat or in a warm spot to maintain the ideal temperature range.
Moisture and Light Requirements
After planting the seeds, use a spray bottle with distilled water to moisten the peat moss layer. Keep the seeds consistently moist but not soaked throughout the germination period. Gentle bottom watering can help maintain moisture without disturbing the seeds.
Though moisture is needed, you also want some air circulation so open the lid for a bit each day to ventilate and prevent mold growth.
Good lighting is also imperative. Keep the container in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sunlight which could cook the tender seedlings. Supplement with grow lights if needed to provide 13-15 hours of brightness per day.
Germination Timeline
Given warm temperatures, proper moisture and sufficient light, venus fly trap seeds should begin germinating in 13-15 days. Full germination often occurs around 20 days. Some seeds can take up to a month or longer in less ideal conditions.
Check seeds daily for the appearance of seedlings. As soon as most have sprouted, remove any lid or covering to provide more air circulation and acclimate the young plants. Gradually introduce more direct sunlight as well.
Transplanting Seedlings
After 4-6 weeks when the seedlings have multiple sets of leaves and an established root system, it’s time to transplant into individual containers or a larger nursery pot. Use the same peat moss and perlite based soil mixture. Gently separate and move the seedlings, taking care not to damage the fragile root. Maintain moist but not soaked soil and plenty of light.
Within a year, your venus fly trap seedlings should be large enough to begin feeding on insects and functioning as mature carnivorous plants. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them progress from seeds to vital bug-eating organisms. With the proper care outlined here, you can successfully germinate venus fly trap seeds and add these fascinating plants to your indoor or outdoor gardens.
When to Plant Venus Flytrap Seeds
The best time to sow Venus flytrap seeds is between February and September for optimal growth conditions. If the soil is kept between 75°F and 85°F, germination can take about two weeks. If the soil is much cooler than this, germination can take as long as five weeks! Provide bright, indirect light all day.
Where to Plant Venus Flytrap Seeds
While Venus flytraps can be cultivated as houseplants, they flourish most when grown outdoors. Ensure the plants receive ample sunlight, with a minimum of four hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. Originating from boggy and swampy habitats, it is crucial to maintain a consistently moist environment for these plants.
When cultivated outdoors, plants can sustain themselves and endure for several months without relying on prey consumption. However, indoor-grown Venus flytraps may require supplementation through feeding live insects. These carnivorous plants consume a variety of insects, such as ants, grasshoppers, flying insects, beetles, and spiders, which can be obtained online or in select garden stores.
Growing Venus Flytraps From Seed For Beginners – Easy Step By Step Guide
FAQ
How do you germinate Venus Flytrap seeds?
Scatter the seeds on the surface of the moist soil. Do not bury them, as Venus flytrap seeds require light for germination. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of the same soil mixture or sphagnum peat moss. Use distilled or rainwater only, as tap water can contain minerals harmful to Venus flytraps.
Do Venus Flytrap seeds need to be stratified?
Please note that that these are FRESH Venus flytrap seeds that require cold-stratification BEFORE you plant them.
Why are my Venus Flytrap seeds not germinating?
Cover them too much and they may not germinate. If you can no longer see the seed after dusting them with the sphagnum peat moss, that’s too much of a dusting! Spray Distilled water on the dusting of peat moss to moisten it and the seeds.
What happens if you feed a Venus Flytrap a dead fly?
ooh…don’t feed your venus fly trap dead flies. After triggering the trigger hair, the fly will move inside of the venus fly trap telling the fly it caught a “live” insect, instead of other things that can trigger the hairs, such as a raindrop.