Dionaea muscipula
Dionaea muscipula
Venus flytrap
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Taxonomy
Family Droseraceae · Genus Dionaea
Description
Dionaea muscipula, the iconic Venus flytrap, is a small, charismatic carnivorous plant that snaps shut on insects with lightning speed. It thrives in bright sun, pure water, and nutrient-poor boggy soil, rewarding good care with vivid traps and occasional white blooms.
Common Names
Venus flytrapVenus’s flytrapCommon Venus flytrap
Context
nativeRegion
Coastal plain bogs and savannas of North and South Carolina, USA.
usdaZones
Generally hardy in 7–10 outdoors with protection; commonly grown in containers.
companionPlants
Sarracenia (North American pitcher plants), Drosera (sundews), Pinguicula (butterworts), Utricularia (bladderworts)
culturalUses
Popular in education and science displays; symbolizes curiosity and biodiversity; limited natural pest reduction of small insects.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun outdoors (4–6+ hours direct). Indoors, brightest possible south/east window or strong grow lights (12–16 hrs).
WateringUse rain, distilled, or RO water only. Keep soil evenly wet; tray method with 0.5–1 in (1–2.5 cm) water in growing season. Slightly less in winter dormancy—never let dry out.
SoilNutrient-poor, acidic mix: 1:1 sphagnum peat moss and perlite or silica sand. No compost, fertilizer, or tap-water minerals.
FertilizerDo not fertilize the soil. Let plants catch insects naturally. Optional very dilute foliar feed only for experienced growers.
HumidityModerate to high preferred (40–70%), but not critical if light is strong and roots stay wet.
TemperatureGrowing: 70–90°F (21–32°C), tolerates 40–95°F (4–35°C). Dormancy: 35–50°F (2–10°C) for ~3–4 months.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCarnivorous perennial forming low rosettes with hinged traps on leaf tips.
Mature SizeRosette 2–6 in (5–15 cm) across; traps 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm).
Growth RateModerate; faster in strong sun and warm seasons.
BloomingLate spring to early summer; tall scapes with small white flowers. Many growers remove flower stalks to conserve energy.
DormancyRequires cool winter dormancy 3–4 months; growth slows, leaves may die back; resume vigor in spring.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of clumps, Leaf/petiole pullings, Flower stalk cuttings, Seed, Tissue culture (advanced)
DifficultyModerate (seed is slow; vegetative methods are quicker).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for division and pullings; late spring for flower stalk cuttings; sow fresh seed late spring–summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead/dry leaves and traps at the base to prevent mold. Optionally cut flower stalks unless breeding or collecting seed.
RepottingEvery 1–2 years in late winter to spring into fresh peat/perlite mix to avoid mineral buildup and compaction.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, spider mites, and scale; fungal issues (Botrytis) in stagnant, low-light conditions. Mineral burn from tap water; root rot if stale, airless medium.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic to pets and people; not for consumption. Traps are harmless to fingers and will reopen after several days.
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