Get Your Very Own Venus Flytrap from Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s, the beloved grocery store chain known for its unique and affordable food items, has started selling live venus flytraps! These fascinating carnivorous plants are now available for purchase at select Trader Joe’s locations across the country.

What Are Venus Flytraps?

The venus flytrap is one of the most iconic carnivorous plants in the world It has specialized leaves shaped like snap traps that can close in a fraction of a second when an insect brushes against the trigger hairs inside, The plant then secretes digestive enzymes to dissolve the prey item and absorb the nutrients

Venus flytraps are native to a small area of the Carolinas in the United States, where they thrive in the nutrient-poor soil. Their specialized trapping leaves allow them to get nitrogen and other nutrients that are scarce in their natural habitat.

These quirky plants have captured people’s imaginations for centuries. Their unique and clever trapping mechanism seems almost animal-like, and their strange alien appearance fascinates plant lovers and science geeks alike

Caring For Your Trader Joe’s Flytrap

Trader Joe’s venus flytraps come potted in a 2,5 inch pot inside a sealed plastic container They require a few special care instructions to help them thrive, Here are some tips

• Place in bright, indirect light – Flytraps need several hours of sunshine every day, but direct hot sunlight can burn the leaves. A bright windowsill is ideal.

• Use purified or distilled water – Tap water contains minerals that can build up in the soil over time. Use purified water, distilled water, or rainwater.

• Keep moist but not soaked – The soil should be kept damp but not soggy. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• Feed sparingly – Flytraps get most nutrients from the soil, so feedings are not essential. Give 1-2 live insects per month. Avoid hamburger or other meats.

• Allow dormancy in winter – Flytraps require a winter dormancy period with cooler temperatures and reduced light to mimic their natural habitat.

• Repot annually – Repot each year into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil formulated for carnivorous plants.

Follow these tips and your Trader Joe’s flytrap should thrive for years to come! The compact size makes them perfect for windowsills or office desks.

Fun Facts About Venus Flytraps

Beyond being visually captivating little plants, venus flytraps have some fascinating features and facts:

• Flytraps have three sensitive trigger hairs inside each trap – a prey item must touch two of them within about 20 seconds to trigger closing. This helps prevent accidental closing.

• The trapping motion is one of the fastest movements in the plant kingdom – traps slam shut in less than a second.

• Traps can only close a few times before they become exhausted and must reopen to digest prey.

• Flytraps secreted digestive enzymes break down insects into usable nutrients. The trap reopens in about a week after digesting.

• Smaller traps at the center of the plant are used to capture tiny prey like ants, while larger perimeter traps catch bigger insects.

• Venus flytraps have a remarkably advanced trap closing mechanism involving electrical signals and hydraulic forces.

• Flytraps likely use their striking appearance to lure inquisitive insect prey. The bright colors and nectar attract bugs.

• Darwin was fascinated by carnivorous plants and referred to them as “the most wonderful plants in the world”.

Bring One Home from Trader Joe’s!

Part of the excitement of venus flytraps is being able to observe these little marvels of nature right at home. With Trader Joe’s now offering these captivating plants for only $6.99, it’s easier than ever to get your own.

They make great gifts for kids and adults alike. Watching a trap slam shut on an unsuspecting fruit fly or cricket never gets old! The simple, specialized mechanics of the trap are endlessly fascinating.

Flytraps also make fun and unique houseplants with their distinct look. And unlike many houseplants, they don’t require regular fertilizing – just drop in a live bug now and then!

Stop by your local Trader Joe’s and look for the venus flytraps near the rest of the plant selection. Each plant comes in its own sealed terrarium-like container ready to be taken home.

Just be sure to read up on the basic care instructions to keep your carnivorous plant healthy in its new home. Give it bright indirect light and purified water, avoid over-feeding, and allow a winter dormancy period. Do this, and your Trader Joe’s venus flytrap will thrive for years of intriguing botanical discoveries!

Keeping a Venus flytrap alive can be moderately challenging, but with the right care, they can thrive.