FlyTrapCare Forums

Hello,

I rescued a Venus flytrap that was given to a friend when he recently bought tickets to "Little Shop of Horrors" (a terrible gimmick). A child of the 1980s, I named him Marty McFlytrap and researched all there was to know about how to give him a happy life. This site was most helpful.

I bought Marty growing medium. (https://www.flytrapcare.com/store/venus-fly-trap-soil)

And a planter. (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1)

And a clamp lamp. (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1)

And 6500K, 100-watt light bulbs. (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1)

And a timer. (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1)

He was doing quite well. Even in his death cube, he had sprouted a few new leaves. But within 12 hours of repotting Marty into his roomier home and setting him in a windowsill and under the lamp, my cat (or cats) ate him, roots and all. I had not foreseen death by pet as a problem, as these cats have been quite respectful of flora in the past. I was more worried that they'd knock over the planter, not that they'd consume the contents.

I could try to love again, but the only cat-free place I have in my apartment is on a bookshelf that gets no natural light. That's probably not in the best interest of Marty Jr. Growing outdoors is not an option, as I live in Manhattan and do not have access to my building's yard.

Rather than risk having more blood/rhizomes on my hands, I'd like to give these supplies away. Is there anyone in the New York City area who needs them?

Get a fish tank and try again

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't set out to be a hobbyist. I was just trying to take care of a friend's plant. My understanding is that flytraps don't do well in aquariums. I don't think it would be wise to acquire another plant just because I already have the gear, if I can't give it a home where it will thrive. My hope is that what I've already amassed won't go to waste.

They do just fine if you give enough light and don't keep them too wet

Someone recommended that my growing conditions would be better suited to a Cape Sundew instead, so I am going to give that a try.

However, if anyone is in New York City and needs growing medium, I have a surplus to give away.