The Venus flytrap, also known as the fly-catching Venus (Dionaea muscipula), is one of the most fascinating carnivorous plants: its trap leaves snap shut and catch small insects and invertebrates. It is suitable for botany enthusiasts and anyone looking for an original gift to observe up close on a windowsill, terrace, or in a bright office.
Features
- Pot: diameter 8.5 cm.
- Plant height: approximately 10 cm.
- Trap leaves that snap shut to catch small insects.
- Perennial plant native to North and South Carolina, in the United States.
- Suitable both indoors and outdoors, provided it is kept in a very bright location.
How to care for it
Light
It thrives in a very bright location, with direct or otherwise intense sunlight. Indoors, avoid direct sunlight through glass, which can damage the leaves.
Water
Use only rainwater or, alternatively, distilled water: never hard water. Water by immersion, using the saucer method: indoors, keep up to 2.5 cm of water in the saucer; in winter, remove excess water to prevent waterlogging.
Temperature and humidity
It tolerates temperatures between 10 and 35 °C and can withstand brief frosts. It prefers a humid but well-ventilated environment, which helps prevent gray mold.
Soil and fertilizer
It needs a specific, acidic, nutrient-poor substrate: avoid ordinary potting soil. It does not need fertilizer, because the small insects it catches provide enough nutrients. Repotting is not frequent.
Winter dormancy and traps
Respect its natural cycle, which may include a period of winter dormancy. Do not trigger the traps artificially, as this can weaken the plant.
Why choose it
- A spectacle of nature to observe up close: the snap traps catch small insects.
- An original and surprising gift for anyone who loves botany.
- Compact size, suitable for windowsills, terraces, and bright offices.
- Each specimen is unique and carefully selected from our nursery.
Frequently asked questions
What water should be used for the Venus flytrap?
Only rainwater or distilled water, never hard water, applied using the saucer method. In winter, remove excess water to prevent waterlogging.
Does the Venus flytrap need fertilizer?
No: it does not require fertilizer, because the small insects it catches provide enough nutrients. Use an acidic, nutrient-poor substrate, never ordinary potting soil.
Can the traps be triggered with your fingers?
It is best not to: triggering the traps artificially weakens the plant.
Where should the Venus flytrap be placed?
In a very bright spot, including direct sunlight, while avoiding direct sunlight through glass: windowsills, terraces, and bright offices are suitable.
