A Comprehensive Venus Fly Trap Website

A Comprehensive Venus Fly Trap Website

Venus Fly Traps

Other Carnivorous Plants

Questions or Comments? PDF Print E-mail
Written by Matt   
Thursday, 10 April 2008 14:54

Can't find the information you need on the site?

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If you have any comments or suggestions for the site, feel free to ask me it in an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I will respond to all emails.

If you have a question about how to care for your Venus fly trap or other carnivorous plants, join the Venus Fly Trap Forum and ask your question there!

Comments (70)Add Comment
0
What wrong with my sundew ?
written by Peini, May 04, 2008
I just brought a sundew plant , I put ant on it leaf surface but the leaf won't roll around it ! The next day I notice that there is no more sticky substances on it tentacle ! what wrong ?
Matt
What type of sundew?
written by Matt, May 04, 2008
Not all sundew plants are capable of moving. Do you know the species of sundew plant that you have?

It isn't uncommon after getting a sundew for it to lose the sticky substance on its tentacles due to shock. In my experience, all new tentacles that grow out will have the sticky substance on them.

Good luck with your new plant!
0
Watering my venus
written by Eamon, June 11, 2008
I've been using the tray method to water my venus fly trap but i was curious about how long I should let it soak for and how often I need to put it in the tray?
Matt
Re: Watering my venus
written by Matt, June 11, 2008
I usually let the tray dry out completely between waterings, but I don't let the media dry out ever during the growing season. During dormancy, the media should just be kept barely moist.

You can let the bottom of the pot soak for as long as it takes the water to completely evaporate, which in the summer probably isn't that long.
0
coloration of my flytrap
written by Monica, June 15, 2008
I have had my flytrap for a couple weeks now. He has not eaten anything to my knowledge, he gets plenty of humidity and sunlight, and make sure his soil is moist. However, he is not purple on any of his lamina. Is this a sign that he is unhealthy? I just want to know that he is ok or if there is anything I can do.
Matt
Re: coloration of my flytrap
written by Matt, June 16, 2008
It takes quite a bit longer than 2 weeks for traps to get deep coloration. I have noticed that only after being open for quite a while do the traps start taking on color. If the traps are triggered to close, it seems like they don't color up any more after that point. Also remember that some Venus Fly Traps never get good coloration no matter what, such as Justina Davis.
0
Gray Mold - Is H202 a good fungicide?
written by Jef Knutson, June 28, 2008
I've just purchased a terrarium kit on-line and the product itself looks great (2 venus flytraps and three other carnivorous plants). But, the care instructions aren't -- too sparse.

Anyhow, some internet research indicates that that water w/ a dilute (1:24 to 1:32) H202 solution will kill the mold without harming any the flytraps (or the other species, hopefully). Can you shed any light on this?
Matt
Re: Gray Mold - Is H2O2 a good fungicide
written by Matt, July 10, 2008
Sorry, but I have no experience or knowledge when it comes to treating mold with hydrogen peroxide. Why not just use a standard fungicide that you can purchase from a hardware store or nursery?
0
FLYTRAPS IN A TERRARIUM - do I need to water them?
written by Alan King, July 31, 2008
Greetings from the UK

If I have flytraps in a terrarium - is the natural condensation which forms enough to keep the plants healthy or should I water as well?

Any tips would be appreciated

very helpful site by the way
Matt
Re: FLYTRAPS IN A TERRARIUM - do I need to water them?
written by Matt, August 01, 2008
You will definitely still have to water them. Do you have any particular reason for growing them in a terrarium? Venus Fly Traps don't usually make very good terrarium pets. It's possible to grow them in terrariums, but they are healthier and more robust if they are grown outside.

If you have any more questions, you should join the forum and ask them there. I hope to hear more about your growing experiences on the forum. Best of luck with your flytraps!
0
FLYTRAPS IN A TERAARIUM
written by Alan King, August 02, 2008
Hi Matt - thanks for the advice. Main reason for the terrarium is because we are in the UK and most of the year it is cold and very wet.

I will let you know how they get on smilies/wink.gif
0
...
written by chad, November 05, 2008
I just bought a venus fly trap for my son and we feed the trap a couple of flies but now the closed traps look black and near death. What could be going on?
Matt
Re:...
written by Matt, November 05, 2008
It happens quite often that traps turn black after catching a meal, particularly when plants are near or in dormancy. Also, if the trap doesn't form a proper seal, it can cause it to turn black. There's not really anything to worry about.

If you have more questions, you should join the the forum and ask them there!
0
my plants
written by lark, November 19, 2008
i just bought 3 plants a pituer plant a sundew plant and a venus flytrap. the flytrap is not closing the pituer plant is not making the acids and the sundew is not making the dew and is not eating or moving im scared
0
...
written by lark, November 19, 2008
and is lady bugs bad for the plants
0
...
written by lark, November 19, 2008
smilies/sad.gif please help thanks
Matt
Re: my plants
written by Matt, November 19, 2008
No lady bugs aren't bad for the plants. If you need some growing tips, you should join the forum and ask for help there. See you in the forum!

Matt
0
...
written by lark, November 19, 2008
can u please anser the first one
thanks
and how do i join the forum
Matt
Re:...
written by Matt, November 19, 2008
Well you didn't actually ask a question in your first post. What did you need help with?

You can join the forum by clicking on the yellow link across the top of the page or the link on the left side of the page under the Main Menu.
0
...
written by lark, November 19, 2008
i was asking what i can do
0
i dont want my plant to die :(
written by Courtney, December 07, 2008
so i just read the basic concepts... and my venus flytrap is indoors and it said that its more likely to die quickly indoors then outdoors, does that mean it will die like really soon? or will it last a year and then die?
Matt
Re: i dont want my plant to die :(
written by Matt, December 07, 2008
Don't worry about it too much. Just get your plant growing outside as soon as you can. Just because you grow it inside doesn't mean that it will die. It just won't be as healthy as it could be, and this means that it is more susceptible to diseases and dying.
0
...
written by Courtney, December 08, 2008
ok thanks smilies/smiley.gif
0
where
written by nick, January 25, 2009
where do u get them seriously
b.c. vancounver
0
i need some advice
written by Rick, February 17, 2009
would it be better to keep my fly trap in distilled water or keep misting it with a squart bottle filled with rain water
Matt
Re: i need some advice
written by Matt, February 17, 2009
It's better to keep your flytrap sitting in distilled or rain water. No reason to mist it with a squirt bottle.
0
...
written by Rick, February 17, 2009
thanks a bunch
0
propagation
written by Rick, February 17, 2009
ive been looking for a way to make and new flytraps, whats the proper way to use leaf cutting to propagate
Matt
Re: propagation
written by Matt, February 17, 2009
Hey Rick,

See the "Venus Fly Trap Propagation" link on the right side of the page under "Advanced Cultivation". That should get you started. Once you get through that, if you have any questions or need clarification on anything, you should join the forum and ask there.

Matt
0
...
written by Rick, February 17, 2009
thanks matt thats great advicesmilies/wink.gifsmilies/wink.gifsmilies/wink.gif
0
wat do i do
written by Clayton, February 22, 2009
is it ok to feed my flytrap rollie pollies or will it kill it
Matt
Re: wat do it do
written by Matt, February 22, 2009
Clayton,

There's not really a need to feed your Venus Flytrap anything. Just give it lots of sunlight and clean water. It will catch all the food it needs on it's own if you grow it outside.

Matt
0
...
written by Clayton, February 23, 2009
well i live in the dessert and its to hot
Matt
Re: ...
written by Matt, February 23, 2009
We have a lot of growers on the forum that live in the desert and they grow their plants outside. It's possible to do, you just have to take care to protect the plant during the heat of the day. You should join the forum and ask about desert growing there.
0
...
written by clayton, February 24, 2009
how do i join the forum
Matt
Re: forum
written by Matt, February 24, 2009
Follow the link at the top of the page or on the right navigation bar.
0
...
written by clayton, February 24, 2009
does it cost money?
Matt
Does what cost money?
written by Matt, February 25, 2009
The forum? No, the forum is free, as is everything on this site.
0
...
written by clayton, February 25, 2009
thnks ill be sure to do that
kjz14
help
written by kjz14, February 28, 2009
can i grow a venus fly trap with just the roots?smilies/sad.gif
Matt
Re: help
written by Matt, March 01, 2009
It's possible to grow a venus fly trap with just the roots, but it's not easy. You usually have to have a bit of the rhizome as well and then you have to baby it to get it to start growing.
0
...
written by Craigieboy92, March 26, 2009
Has anyones VFT come out of dormancy yet? I think mines just being lazy!!!
Matt
Re: ...
written by Matt, March 26, 2009
Yep, mine have all begun to grow again. They've been growing pretty well for almost a month now.
0
my flytrap will not open
written by brad, March 27, 2009
it ate a lady bug and will not open back up smilies/sad.gif
0
im a beginner flytrapper!
written by wilee, April 04, 2009
i just got a flytrap. i put it in a small pot with pebbles on the bottom (for drainage), put it in peat spaggnom moss and watered it with distilled water. its inside with lots of sunlight but i was wondering, since it is living inside, if i have to feed it insects...
also, its looking a bit droopy. smilies/sad.gif i dont want it to die!
help please? -wilee
0
My flytrap will not stay closed
written by ..., May 09, 2009
I recently aquired one of these little cuties, but when I feed it, the leaves will not stay closed around the ants I fed it. I also think I've been watering it too much- is this why? I use bottled water, I'm not sure if that is harmful or not.
jordan
...
written by jordan, May 13, 2009
ya don't use bottled water that will kill it try to get rain water and if the trap doesn't stay closed maybe it's becuas the plant is too weak and try to put it outside in direct sun light for a little bite
0
...
written by mojo, June 27, 2009
i have a question i am about to recieve some vft seeds but in the winter do i have to prepare them for dormancy period just like i do for fully grow mature ones?

thanks for any help
0
Can I ....
written by Abbey Watson, July 05, 2009
Can I feed my venus fly trap dead bugs?
0
don't no
written by jose, July 17, 2009
What kind of water will I need to use for a venus flytrap ?
0
Trimming
written by Lisa, July 22, 2009
Hi, I'm Lisa and I am 14.
I bought A small pot of Venus fly traps 3 days ago. Whoopee!
There are four growing heads and there's this one that is already dead when I bought it :[ . Do I have to cut it off or can I leave it there?
I named each one of them. smilies/smiley.gif Their names are Bellatrix,Voldemort [Dead], Narcissa, Lucius and Greyback.
0
Help? Maybe?
written by Carmen, July 25, 2009
I've had my VFT for a few months now, and it was doing ok for a while, but all the sudden many of the leaves and traps have been turning black and it isn't eating as much. Did I accidentally kill it? there are two new shoots coming up, but they haven't opened yet. I'm worried I'm doing something wrong. Any advice? I have to grow it inside because I live in a college dorm, and we don't have any access to porches, etc.
jordan
...
written by jordan, August 02, 2009
hay what should one of my vft have like spots on it and it is dieying and new traps that come out die 2 what should i do to stop it or is it to late for it i have other ones next to it and there doing grate and i hade one that just died completely and it's coming back again but the other one isnt help??
0
help! need to save my friends plant
written by mags, August 07, 2009
hi,
can you help. i am looking after a freinds much loved collection of fly traps. All are happy except the vinus fly trap, which is turning black were it catches flys. It's had nothing but rain water, and is out of direct light. Can i save it?
many thanks Mags
0
...
written by mags, August 07, 2009
Hi, have just found the answer on your site please ignor my question, above.
Great site by the way, very helpful.
all the best Mags;smilies/smiley.gif
0
hi
written by tigerlilly.w., August 10, 2009
hello,

i'd like to now if it is bad for my flytrap if i close him for nothing?

best,

tigerlillysmilies/wink.gif
Matt
Re: hi
written by Matt, August 10, 2009
Hello tigerlilly,

It's not good to close the traps on your venus flytrap with nothing in them. It's best to avoid doing that because it can stress the plant and the traps can only open and close a few times before they won't work anymore.

If you have more questions, you should join the forum and ask them there:
http://www.flytrapcare.com/phpBB3/

Matt
tigerlilly
hi
written by tigerlilly, August 12, 2009
hi matt,

is it bad for my trap to not have any insects?(i don't have many in my house!)

tigerlilly
manzano167
Question
written by manzano167, August 16, 2009
Do i put my Venus fly trap seeds outside with my pot full o spahnghanem peat moss?
Matt
Re: Question
written by Matt, August 16, 2009
Yes, sphagnum moss will work fine for germinating Dionaea seeds. If you have more questions, ask them in the forum:
http://www.flytrapcare.com/phpBB3/

I don't check the comment sections of the website that often.

Matt
0
Question
written by ratgirl34, October 09, 2009
Hey, I live in Northern Canada where the soil is naturally very acidic.

Would soil from outside be an acceptable soil for a venus flytrap? Or is there too high a possibility of it being contaminated in some way?

Also, it's not easy for me to find insects to feed a insectivore. And the crickets in the pet store we have are generally bigger than the traps... Not by a lot really, but would a fly trap be able to close around one?

Just doing some research before commiting to buying one... I don't want a plant I'm just going to kill through ignorance...
Matt
Re: Question
written by Matt, October 10, 2009
I wouldn't use soil from outside. While it could work, I wouldn't use it unless you have some expendable plants to experiment with.

As far as using large crickets, it's better to use insects that are about 1/3 the length of the trap so it can seal properly and digest the insect well. You should be able to find a shop that sells crickets of various sizes.

If you have more questions, you should join the forum:
http://www.flytrapcare.com/phpBB3/
alienplantluvinboy
...
written by alienplantluvinboy, October 15, 2009
have u heard of the new carniverous plant? or is it a myth?
0
The Wind
written by Ki, April 02, 2010
Is it bad to leave my plant outside, when there's a lot of wind?
0
bud
written by colin fox, May 13, 2010
i have a venus fly trap and it as a long stork on it with a bud on it wot is it can anyone help
Fuzzy_Puppies
Store Suggestion
written by Fuzzy_Puppies, May 16, 2010
It would be helpful if you listed on each of the plants at the end of the descriptions...

*Size of Mature Plants (Height, Width)
*Lighting (direct, shade, partial shade)
*Soil mix
*watering
*Place of origin
*Speed of growth
*How long it takes to Flower

...if you make it in a list format at the end it makes it easier to sift through the selection and get a better idea of what the plants will be. Anyway, thanks for the plants and the great site.
0
Should i repot my VFT???
written by Alvin, May 26, 2010
Hi. I got my Venus fly trap in the beginning of May and it's looking healthy. It got about 14 hours of sunlight and watered it with distilled water, all though the traps look a little red. Anyway, I relized that the pot my too small for the plant. About 2.5cm by 2.5cm. Should I repot my plant to a bigger pot? And also, is it okay to use 100% peat moss or 50% peat moss and 50% perlite? Please answer ASAP. Thanks! smilies/smiley.gif
0
...
written by Sebastian Escalon, June 23, 2010
I got a Venus flytrap at Lowes and it has 7 traps and i know that more than 1 plant is growing in the same pot. i Would like to know if you can hybridize venus traps with other species of carnivorous plants Please and thank you
steve_d
Questions about Venus Flytraps in the Forum, please
written by steve_d, June 24, 2010
Venus Flytraps can easily have more than 20 leaves at one time.

Questions such as yours should be asked in the FlytrapCare.com Forum, not here.

Thanks and best wishes--
0
vft
written by Tanya, July 15, 2010
are they harmful to children

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 April 2010 20:13