FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

I seem to have blotchy patches on my venus flytrap. I am not sure what they are caused by. Possibly too much water over the leaves? I am growing them in a black plastic tote with a grow light over the top of them and sitting in about 2 inches of water. I have not measured the humidity recently but when I did it was around 60-70. My temperatures are around 23C in the day and 15 or so at night.
Any help is appreciated!

What type of water are you using?
How far away is the lamp from the plant?
What soil are you using?
If I could guess,it would probably be mineral burn.If not,it would be lack of sun.If possible,try moving the plants to somewhere like a porch for direct sunlight.I am positive they will thrive in direct outdoors sun.

I am using tap water, but it was tested at 17 ppm recently. I was told that was okay? But I am not sure. The lamp is about 8 inches away from the plant and I am using peat for soil. I think you are right about mineral burn! I am using maxsea to foliar feed and I possibly used too much. I can add another light to my box as it has a socket for one to fit in so I might do that as well!

Oh yeah,8 inches may be a little far.Maybe move it gradually lower inside of about 1-2 weeks to around 4 to 5 inches and try the second light socket,and see what that does.The 17 ppm water is perfectly fine,50 or lower is good.And yes,you might be overfeeding them with maxsea,I personally have never used it,but I heard that maybe a drop or 2 will be fine.If your traps close properly,but you don't have very many insects at your house,I would go to the pet store and buy some dried mealworms or blood worms.

I thought VFT do not like standing water. I missed that point the first time I read your post. You have them in 2 inches of water ?

Thank you @Panman @Supercazoola @optique and @MaxVft ! All your advice is great! I will definitely reduce the water level and most likely add more light as I am sure their condition can be improved! I will also invest in a water filter and some blood worms hahah ! This forum is great! Thank you all for your help!

No problem,and hey,isn't the point of forums to help out the community?