Without a doubt the most famous carnivorous plant, the Venus Flytrap is – for many growers – a gateway drug! Charles Darwin famously described the plant as “one of the most wonderful in the world,” and few who have witnessed a healthy trap snapping shut on an insect would disagree.
Venus Flytraps attract prey using sweet nectar. Touch a trigger hair twice, or two hairs in quick succession, and an electric charge closes the trap, its interlocking teeth forming a cage. The insect’s struggles will seal the trap, at which point digestive enzymes dissolve the victim’s soft tissues. The trap reabsorbs this nutritious soup, and – after about a week – reopens, using the carcass to attract new visitors.
The Venus Flytrap’s reputation for being difficult to grow is undeserved. Follow this guide and you’ll soon be growing huge, healthy specimens of this magnificent plant.
Hey plant lovers! I’ve been experimenting with dormant Venus flytrap kits lately, and lemme tell you – these little carnivorous cuties are WAY cooler than your average houseplant! Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking for a fun project with kids, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bringing these sleeping beauties back to life.
What’s Actually in These Kits?
When you first open your kit (usually around $10-15), here’s what you’ll typically find:
- Dormant Venus flytraps (they look like tiny brown lumps – don’t panic!)
- Sphagnum moss
- Special carnivorous plant soil
- Small plastic planter
- Mini greenhouse container
- Basic care instructions
Pro tip Don’t expect these guys to look Instagram-worthy right away! Those brown lumps might not look like much, but with proper care, they’ll transform into amazing bug-catching machines
Getting Started: The Revival Process
Step 1: Initial Setup
- Find those dormant plants (they’re hiding in the soil bag!)
- Fill the container with the provided soil
- Place plants on top (try to figure out which end goes up – it’s tricky!)
- Cover with pre-soaked sphagnum moss
- Use ONLY distilled or rain water (tap water = plant murder)
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Environment
- Place in bright, indirect sunlight
- Keep temps between 70-85°F
- Maintain high humidity using the greenhouse cover
- Keep moss consistently moist but not waterlogged
Wake-Up Timeline: What to Expect
I know waiting is the hardest part! Here’s roughly what you’ll see:
- Week 1-2: Nothing (patience!)
- Week 2-3: Tiny green shoots might appear
- Week 3-4: First baby traps start forming
- Month 2+: Fully formed traps ready for action
Common Rookie Mistakes (Trust Me, I’ve Made Them!)
❌ Using tap water (seriously, don’t!)
❌ Letting the moss dry out
❌ Keeping them too hot or too cold
❌ Feeding them when they’re still waking up
❌ Getting impatient and disturbing them too much
Long-Term Care Tips
Once your flytraps are awake and snapping:
- Feed each trap 1-2 small insects monthly
- Remove dead traps with clean scissors
- Keep up with the distilled water regime
- Consider repotting after 6-12 months
- Plan for winter dormancy (yep, they need annual naps!)
Winter Dormancy: The Yearly Snooze
Your flytrap will need to go dormant each winter, Options include
- Natural Method: Place outside if temps stay between 32-50°F
- Garage Method: Keep in unheated garage/porch
- Fridge Method: Store in fridge for 3-4 months (sounds weird but works!)
My Personal Experience
When I first got my kit, I was honestly skeptical The plants looked dead, and I thought I’d wasted my money. But after about 2 weeks of consistent care, I spotted my first tiny green sprout! Now, 3 months later, I’ve got several healthy traps catching pesky fungus gnats in my house.
Is a Dormant Kit Right for You?
These kits are perfect if:
- You enjoy watching things grow from scratch
- You’re patient (seriously, it takes time!)
- You want a unique conversation starter
- You’re dealing with indoor bug problems
- You love weird plants (welcome to the club!)
Final Tips for Success
- Document the growth process (it’s amazing to look back!)
- Join online Venus flytrap communities
- Keep the care instructions handy
- Don’t overthink it – these plants are tougher than they look
- Have fun with it! These are unique plants with personality
Remember, every flytrap grower started somewhere! While these kits might seem daunting at first, with a little patience and proper care, you’ll soon have a fascinating carnivorous companion. Happy growing!
Would you like me to explain any part of this guide in more detail?
Where do Venus Flytraps come from?
No, they’re not from Venus!
There is only one species of Venus flytrap, and its scientific name is Dionaea muscipula. It has a very limited native range, growing only in the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina. Habitat destruction has endangered its survival, and it’s believed to be extinct in several of its native counties. Well-intentioned horticulturists have introduced the plant to new areas (so-called ‘exotic’ populations), but these efforts are ill-advised and likely to cause more harm than good.
Remember, it is illegal to collect (i.e. dig up) Venus flytraps from the wild. Instead, you should buy them from reputable nurseries (see below!). Show exotic populations Show extinct populations
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Growing Locations for Venus Flytraps
Venus Flytraps need direct sunlight for healthy growth. If you’re growing your plant indoors choose a bright sunny windowsill – preferably south-facing if you’re in the US or UK. Insufficient sunlight will cause your flytrap’s leaves to become weak and spindly. Most forms of the Venus Flytrap will tell you they’re receiving sufficient sunlight by turning the insides of their traps red.
Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) growing very happily in full sun on windowsills.
They do not require a terrarium to grow, although they can appreciate the higher humidity of the enclosed environment. They can be happy in terrariums provided you respect their winter dormancy requirements and provide sufficient light. Artificial lighting can work well, particularly high-powered fluorescents such as T5 growlights.
Venus flytraps grow extremely well in conservatories and unheated greenhouses. Temperatures in the Carolinas frequently hit 30°C (86°F) during summer and drop below 0°C in in the winter (32°F), and so Venus Flytraps are perfectly happy in the many temperate climates – including the UK and much of the US – provided they are protected from the elements.
Note that most Venus Flytraps produce different kinds of leaves throughout the growing season. Those produced at the start and end of the growing season (spring and autumn) tend to be lower-growing with heart-shaped petioles, while those produced in summer are held up higher on narrow, elongated petioles.
Total Venus Flytrap Care Under 10 Minutes – Wal-Mart ,Lowes Beginner Fly Trap Tips (Updated 2024)
FAQ
How long should a Venus flytrap be dormant?
Flytraps require 3-4 months of winter dormancy triggered by cold temperatures (below 50�F) and shorter daylight hours. Even while dormant, your plant will still need to sit in a small amount of standing water to prevent its soil from drying out.
Do I feed my Venus flytrap during dormancy?
Venus Flytraps must go dormant in the winter (like a bear hibernating), so you don’t have to feed them. North Dakota, Minnesota?