Venus Fly Trap
Dionaea muscipula
The world's most famous carnivorous plant, with hinged snap-trap leaves that close in a fraction of a second when trigger hairs are touched by an insect. Native to a tiny area of the US Carolinas. Requires very specific care.
Best rooms for venus fly trap
Light requirements
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
How to care for venus fly trap
Full direct sunlight is absolutely essential — a south-facing windowsill at minimum. Stand in a tray of rainwater or distilled water at all times; never use tap water. Grow in pure sphagnum moss or a peat/perlite mix — never standard compost. Never fertilise. Needs a cold winter dormancy (2-10°C) for 3-4 months. Don't trigger traps for fun — each trap only closes ~5 times before dying.
Watering
Keep the compost consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check every few days.
Propagation
- Leaf pullings in spring
- Division of mature clumps
- Seed (slow)
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Death from tap water (minerals kill it)
- No traps forming without enough direct light
- Rot from lack of winter dormancy
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