How tall do venus flytraps grow

Heads up! You're using an old browser, and the Venus Flytrap map may not function properly - please update your browser. If you spot any mistakes, please click here to send me an email. You can buy healthy Venus flytraps here on Amazon. Many suitable accessories are also available including carnivorous plant compost as well as ideal companion plants like Sarracenia. However, plants bought from specialist carnivorous plant nurseries will typically be stronger and more robust than those from garden centers or department stores.

I suggest taking a look at my directory of recommended nurseries. There is only one species of Venus Flytrap - Dionaea muscipula - but dozens of weird and wonderful cultivars are available.

Most forms consist of a small rosette of leaves called petioles , each of which ends in a trap. The traps of adult plants are typically around 2. Cultivars are generally selected for colour, size, or mutation.

The first group, particularly the all-green and all-red forms, are among the most popular. Finally, there are the mutants. These are typically the result of tissue culture mishaps, and some are deformed to the point of being unable to catch prey. They are seemingly loved and hated in equal measure; while some growers like the novelty, others find them grotesque!

Venus Flytraps need direct sunlight for healthy growth. They do not require a terrarium to grow, although they often appreciate the higher humidity of the enclosed environment.

They can be happy in terrariums provided you respect their winter dormancy requirements see below and provide sufficient light. Artificial lighting can work well, particularly high-powered fluorescents such as T5 growlights. They can grow extremely well in conservatories and unheated greenhouses. Note that most Venus Flytraps produce different kinds of leaves throughout the growing season.

The National Wildlife Federation describes the fly trap as a flowering plant that is native to North and South Carolina, but it can also be found in other states, including Florida and New Jersey.

It is also grown indoors around the world in Venus fly trap terrariums. It is the most well-known carnivorous plant and one of the few that traps its prey through motion. A healthy plant will reach a height of 4 to 5 inches in two to four years. The plant eats by capturing insects in two hinged lobes at the end of its leaves, which are edged with small bristles and interlock when the trap shuts to ensure prey can't squirm out.

Inside are hair-like projections called trichomes, which cause the leaves to snap shut when an insect comes in contact with them. The plant will shut only when its trichomes are touched more than once so it doesn't waste energy on false prey. According to Botanical Society of America, the Venus fly trap requires wet roots, high humidity, full sunlight and acidic soil to thrive.

When planting, place its bulb root side down so that the top is even with the soil. For a healthy, long-living plant, make sure the soil mixture contains sphagnum moss and sand and transplant it into clean soil every few years. By Deb Wiley Updated August 13, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Venus Fly Trap close up.

Credit: Ginny Weiler. Comments 9 Add Comment. View Comments. May 21, The idea that they won't eat dead bugs is false, mine literally just ate two dead bugs a few seconds ago. I use never used bamboo chop sticks to pick up the bug and then I place the bug in the plants 'jaw', the movement from the bamboo will cause a natural reaction of the plant closing up and digesting the insect.

They do better in pots with holes in the bottom that are standing in water. If outdoors in the sun, they will catch their own food once they are large enough. Baby traps need nothing but sun and may not catch anything for years. Big thing for beginners is they often go into transportation shock, but keep in sun or bright lights if sun is not possible and set in a tray of rain, distilled or reverse osmosis water and they should recover.

Remember winter dormancy too. March 20, I just bought a Venus flytrap from Lowe's, it was in a plastic thing should I've left the planter in it or is ok on my window shelf on a saucer? January 15, Should I water my Venus Fly Trap during its forced dormancy?

BHG Editors iheartterriers, you definitely want to keep your Venus fly traps moist during their dormancy. Be sure to use reverse osmosis, rainwater, or distilled water, however. Thank you in advance for any info you can give! Regular garden soil contains minerals and nutrients that will kill your fly traps. You can plant many together in one container. Be sure to keep them moist throughout their dormancy with rain water or distilled water.