FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Hello,

Over the years, I've had some difficulty with Venus Flytraps and heat. It seemed that no matter where I would place them, they'd always burn up a bit and leave a lot to desire. My plants' traps would rarely get as big as 1" despite most of which being mature specimens. They grew fine, but not as big or breathtaking as other people have gotten them with essentially identical care. It seemed to clash with what was common knowledge that more sun = healthier and bigger plants.

As it turns out, I believe that my zone 9b Californian summers simply created too much heat for venus flytraps to live ideally. So I decided that if I could sacrifice some sun for cooler temperatures, I could get healthier plants.

Here's my setup, some pvc pipe and 40% shade cloth reducing all mid to late afternoon sun. Overall, I think it's working. My plants haven't shown any ugly burns and their traps are consistently bigger.

In the wild, Venus flytraps usually have grasses and other plants scattered around them. By mid-afternoon, they get dappled sun through their neighbors. Your shade cloth does a good job of emulating that.

Well done! Yes, in the warmer climates and anytime the temperature is above 90F it is best to protect flytraps from the mid-day sun. Glad you have figured out a good solution and that your Venus flytraps look so good this year!!