The carnivorous Venus flytrap is arguably the most iconic and fascinating of all flesh-eating plants. And of the many Venus flytrap varieties the Red Dragon stands out for its intense fiery red coloration. With its elongated burgundy traps resembling a dragon’s open jaws, this is one spectacular flytrap.
In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for the amazing Red Dragon Venus flytrap.
Overview of the Red Dragon Venus Flytrap
Native to a small region of the Carolinas, the Venus flytrap gets its common name from its unique spring-loaded traps that snap shut to capture insect prey. The species typically has oval green traps formed by two hinged leaf lobes.
The Red Dragon cultivar exhibits slender, elongated traps colored a dramatic deep red to burgundy. The dark color and stretched trap shape evoke the open mouth of a menacing dragon. Small trigger hairs inside sense insect motion, causing the jaws to slam shut.
This variant was produced in laboratories rather than naturally occurring. But it retains all the attributes that make flytraps effective insect-eating plants. Red Dragon packs visual punch, with dragonesque traps atop compact 5 inch wide plants.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Vibrant Red Dragon Plants
Venus flytraps thrive in nutrient-deficient, acidic soils that drive them to get nutrients from captured bugs. Replicating their natural bog habitat is key for growing vibrant Red Dragons:
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Full Sun – At least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily for maximum color intensity.
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Acidic, Low Fertility Soil – Use carnivorous plant soil mixes with no fertilizer. Sphagnum peat or perlite create proper soil chemistry.
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Consistent Moisture – Keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Use purified or distilled water to prevent minerals.
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High Humidity – Set pots on a humidity tray or mist the leaves frequently.
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Good Air Flow – Stagnant conditions encourage rot and disease.
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Ideal Temperatures – Daytime temperatures of 65-85°F and nighttime temps of 55-70°F.
When grown in full sun and wet acidic media, Red Dragon develops deepest red trap coloration. Too little light or overly dry/fertile soil causes less vibrant greenish leaves.
Feeding and Dormancy Care
Flytraps get most nutrients from caught insects. Avoid fertilizing Red Dragon plants. Feed traps 1-2 live insects per month by touching prey to trigger hairs until they close. Small bugs like fruit flies, ants and spiders work well.
Traps only snap shut 4-5 times before dying. Avoid unnecessary triggering without feeding so traps last longer. Don’t manually reopen closed traps or damage occurs. New traps continually regenerate from the base.
Flytraps require a winter dormancy period with reduced temperatures and watering. This mimics their natural cycle and stimulates growth. Keep dormant Red Dragons at 32-55°F for 3 months and significantly reduce water, but don’t allow pots to dry out completely.
Growing and Caring for Red Dragon Venus Flytraps
Caring for Red Dragon flytraps involves providing suitable growing conditions, enough moisture, occasional insect snacks, and winter dormancy. Here are some key care tips:
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Pot in a low nutrient carnivorous plant soil mix. Repot when roots fill containers.
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Water only with distilled or purified water. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
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Place in bright sunlight for at least 4 hours per day. A sunny windowsill works well.
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Feed 1-2 live insects per month by touching prey to trap interiors until they close.
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Prune off any dead, black traps as they appear. Healthy traps continually regenerate.
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Allow plants to go dormant for 3 months in winter with reduced water and 55°F temperatures.
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Propagate by dividing crowns after dormancy. Each division must have roots and a growth point.
With proper care, Red Dragon flytraps deliver striking traps and endless fascination as you observe them catching insects. Their intense color and elongated jaws make a dramatic addition to any carnivorous plant collection.
Why Does Red Dragon Develop Such Dark Red Traps?
So why does this particular Venus flytrap cultivar produce such deep red trap leaves rather than the typical green? The dark color arises from increased production of anthocyanin pigments.
Many plants generate anthocyanins in response to stresses like bright sunlight or cool nights. These pigments act as antioxidants to protect tissues from damage. They also deter pests from munching on leaves.
Red Dragon’s genetics ramp up anthocyanin levels far higher than normal flytraps. The elongated traps absorb more light, which spurs greater anthocyanin development and intense crimson coloration. Providing full sun further enhances red pigment production.
The striking red trap color isn’t essential for survival, but gives Red Dragon huge visual impact. It makes this variety stand out from the many other Venus flytrap cultivars grown by enthusiasts.
Growing This Eye-Catching Red Dragon Variety
For both beginning and experienced carnivorous plant growers, Red Dragon flytraps always elicit admiration for their unorthodox color and form. They make an excellent addition to any collection of unique, unconventional plants. And besides insect-catching abilities, the compact size and dramatic traps make Red Dragon perfect for terrariums.
As with any specialty plant, giving this flytrap the conditions it prefers is the key to success. Replicate its natural bog habitat with wet acidic soil, high humidity, and ample sunlight to enjoy Red Dragon’s stunning beauty. Carefully handle the traps, allow winter dormancy, and offer the occasional insect snack to keep your plant thriving for years.
The Red Dragon Venus flytrap lives up to its name, delivering fiery red traps that can’t help but mesmerize anyone lucky enough to add this variety to their plant collection.
Finding light for Red Dragon Fly Trap in your home
Red Dragon Fly Trap may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves , without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Red Dragon Fly Trap in your home .
Taxonomy Scientific name
Red Dragon Fly Trap needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
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Unboxing Venus Flytrap Akai Ryu ‘Red Dragon’ (w/ update and flower stalk propagation)
FAQ
How do you take care of a red dragon Venus fly trap?
They are a swamp plant, so warm & wet. Never ever let it dry out. They like light, but indirect is best. They will burn with prolonged direct light. Do not trip the traps unnecessarily. It takes a fair bit of energy and can promote die off. Only feed it one little bug every month-ish. Distilled water only.
Why are Venus flytraps illegal?
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Port City Dailyhttps://portcitydaily.comWhy isn’t it illegal when developers destroy Venus Flytraps, and other reader questions | Port City Daily
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Sarraceniahttps://www.sarracenia.comThe Carnivorous Plant FAQ: Can I collect Venus flytraps from the wild?Venus flytrap is listed under the Act as “Special Concern” (i.e. not endangered or threatened, but entitled to regulatory protection because their exploitation …
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The Society for Conservation Biologyhttps://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.comExpert assessment of illegal collecting impacts on Venus flytraps and …Sep 9, 2024 — Illegal collecting of wild Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) for the horticultural trade represents a persistent threat to populations of the specie…
How big do red Dragon Venus flytraps get?
Height: Up to 4 inches at maturity. Sunlight: Full sun during the growing season. (The Red Dragon Flytrap likes full sun but dislikes excessive heat. So it’s most suitable to regions with sunny yet moderate summers.)
How do I tell if my Venus flytrap is dying?
A dying Venus flytrap gives up the ghost fairly quickly. The leaves die completely, and all that remains of the plant is something all mushy and gooey. Freeze a lettuce leaf and then thaw it on your counter-top to see what a dying Venus flytrap looks like.
What color is a red dragon Venus flytrap?
The Akai Ryu “Red Dragon” Venus Flytrap quite impressively exhibits striking and attractive dark-red coloration of the entire plant, including leaves and traps. Akai Ryu can develop a gorgeous range of color, from purple-ish to maroon to lighter-red with green accents.
What is a red dragon flytrap?
Also known as ‘Dionaea Muscipula Akai Ryu’, Venus Flytrap ‘Red Dragon’ turns dark red in full sunlight and is a must-have for any flytrap collector. Akai Ryu is Japanese for “Red Dragon.” This is a gorgeous variety of Venus Flytrap that exhibits beautiful deep burgundy red traps and petioles throughout the year. Traps have golden green margins.
Can you buy a red dragon Venus Fly Trap?
Purchase Your Very Own Venus Flytrap or Companion Carnivorous Plant! DORMANCY WARNING: Red Dragon Venus fly traps are temperate perennials, and they require several months of winter dormancy. Plants purchased during this time may be small or appear to have no leaves at all.
How do you care for a red dragon flytrap?
Caring for Red Dragon flytraps involves providing suitable growing conditions, adequate moisture, insect prey, and dormancy. Here are some key care tips: Pot in a low nutrient carnivorous plant soil. Repot when roots fill containers. Water with purified or distilled water only. Keep soil damp but not saturated.
What is a ginormous Venus flytrap?
The “Ginormous” Venus Flytrap is a cultivar known for producing considerably larger traps than typical Venus Flytraps, with individual traps capable of reaching up to 2 inches in length. This variety maintains the characteristic snap-trap mechanism of standard Venus Flytraps but can catch larger prey due to its increased size.
Why do Red Dragons turn red?
When grown in full sun and acidic, wet soils, Red Dragon develops the deepest red trap color. Insufficient light, overly dry or fertile soil causes greener, less vibrant leaves. Flytraps get most nutrients from insects they catch. Avoid fertilizing Red Dragon plants.