Dionaea muscipula
Venus fly trap, Venus mouse trap
Also known as Dionaea Flytrap
- Height × spread
- 0.35m – 0.35m × 0.15m – 0.15m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The single species of a genus to which it uniquely belongs. It is found growing naturally in the South East of the USA in Carolina. It is carnivorous by nature, trapping insects on its 'leaves' which then shut, trapping the insect which it then digests. This facility makes it a source of fascination and the plant is sold in great numbers, presumably then having a fairly short life unless it is properly cared for. It needs to grow in a container that has holes in the base with compost that contains peat, sphagnum moss and vermiculite. The container should stand in a tray of rainwater. The plant should also be sprayed frequently with rainwater. Ideally it should be kept between 13C and 27C to ensure it remains in continual growth. The plant enjoys a sunny position and could be kept outside in the summer.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.35m – 0.35m
- Spread
- 0.15m – 0.15m
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 5C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Planting
Repot yearly
Repot yearly if grown in a pot. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Be careful to ensure the roots are spread out in the new pot, and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and make sure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Indoors
Water with rain water from below
The plant needs rain or soft water (boiled and cooled water) - the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful. Water from below; the container in which the plant is growing should stand in a saucer of rain water. This will ensure that the plants roots are always moist.
Indoor temperature · Planting
5C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 5 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Compost for carnivorous plants
Use carnivorous compost when planting in pots, or to improve soils when planting in the ground.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).