Venus Flytrap Complete Guide for South African Growers
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Without a doubt the most famous carnivorous plant, the Venus Flytrap is—for many growers—a gateway drug! Charles Darwin famously described the plant as "one of the most wonderful in the world," and few who have witnessed a healthy trap snapping shut on an insect would disagree.
Venus Flytraps attract prey using sweet nectar. Touch a trigger hair twice, or two hairs in quick succession, and an electric charge closes the trap, its interlocking teeth forming a cage. The insect's struggles will seal the trap, at which point digestive enzymes dissolve the victim's soft tissues. The trap reabsorbs this nutritious soup, and—after 2-3 days—reopens, using the carcass to attract new visitors.
The Venus Flytrap's reputation for being difficult to grow is undeserved. Follow this guide and you'll soon be growing huge, healthy specimens of this magnificent plant.
Let's get started!
2. Origin and Habitat
Where Do Venus Flytraps Come From?
No, they're not from Venus!
There is only one species of Venus Flytrap, and its scientific name is Dionaea muscipula. It has a very limited native range, growing only in the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina, USA. Habitat destruction has endangered its survival, and it's believed to be extinct in several of its native counties. Well-intentioned horticulturists have introduced the plant to new areas (so-called 'exotic' populations), but these efforts are ill-advised and likely to cause more harm than good.
Remember, it is illegal to collect (i.e., dig up) Venus Flytraps from the wild. Instead, you should buy them from reputable nurseries like Cultivo Carnivores.
Note: Map data sourced from the USDA PLANTS Database, eFloras.org, Encyclopedia of Life, and Barry Rice's website. If you spot any mistakes, please contact us.
3. Growing Conditions
Growing Locations
Venus Flytraps need direct sunlight for healthy growth. In South Africa, ensure your plant receives ample sunlight, especially if you're in regions with strong sunlight like the Western Cape. If you’re growing your plant indoors, choose a bright sunny windowsill—preferably south-facing if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere. Insufficient sunlight will cause your flytrap’s leaves to become weak and spindly. Most forms of the Venus Flytrap will indicate they’re receiving sufficient sunlight by turning the insides of their traps red.
They do not require a terrarium to grow, although they can appreciate the higher humidity of an enclosed environment. They can thrive in terrariums provided you respect their winter dormancy requirements and provide sufficient light. Artificial lighting can work well, particularly high-powered fluorescents such as T5 grow lights.
Venus Flytraps grow extremely well in conservatories and unheated greenhouses. Temperatures in the Carolinas frequently hit 30°C during summer and drop below 0°C in winter, so Venus Flytraps are perfectly happy in many temperate climates—including parts of South Africa—provided they are protected from extreme conditions.
Leaf Variation: Most Venus Flytraps produce different kinds of leaves throughout the growing season. Those produced at the start and end of the growing season (spring and autumn) tend to be lower-growing with heart-shaped petioles, while those produced in summer are held up higher on narrow, elongated petioles.
Soil & Water
The traditional compost mixture for Venus Flytraps is sphagnum peat moss mixed with either lime-free horticultural sand or perlite, to a ratio of about 2:1. At Cultivo Carnivores, we offer an excellent ready-made Venus Flytrap soil tailored for South African growers. Alternatively, you can purchase this compost mix through our online store.
An alternative peat-free growing medium is pure long-fiber sphagnum moss. Growing your own flytraps in pure sphagnum has proven successful, though it can be more expensive than a peat-based mix. In South Africa, consider sourcing high-quality sphagnum moss from Cultivo Carnivores.
Using Lower-Quality Sphagnum Moss: Using lower-quality sphagnum moss can be challenging, especially for beginners. These variations often break down too quickly, making it difficult to maintain the optimal water and drainage ratio necessary for healthy Venus Flytraps. This instability can lead to poor plant health and increased maintenance efforts.
High-Quality Sphagnum Moss: To ensure success, it is crucial to use very high-quality sphagnum moss, such as New Zealand sphagnum. High-grade sphagnum moss maintains its structure longer, providing a stable environment that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. This consistency simplifies watering routines and promotes robust plant growth.
During the growing season, stand the pot in about 1/2 cm of water and avoid watering from the top. They prefer soil that is wet but not completely waterlogged. During winter, they require less water and the soil should be kept just damp.
Another critical point often overlooked: Venus Flytraps need pure water. Like many carnivorous plants, they evolved to grow in damp, low-nutrient soil, and using bottled or tap water can result in mineral buildup that may eventually kill your Venus Flytrap. Avoid fertilisers for similar reasons. Your best options are rainwater, distilled or deionized water or water produced by a reverse osmosis system.
South African Tip: Collect rainwater during the rainy season or invest in a good quality reverse osmosis system. RO water is available from through Cultivo Carnivores to ensure your plants receive the pure water they need.
4. Winter Dormancy
Venus Flytraps require a cold winter dormancy between June and August in South Africa. Mimicking the conditions of their natural habitat means providing a cold resting period. Much like humans need sleep every night, Venus Flytraps need to go dormant over winter!
If you grow your plants on a windowsill or in a terrarium during the growing season, you will need to move them somewhere colder—such as a cool shed or a garage. Plants grown in unheated greenhouses can remain there over winter, provided the temperature remains within the required range.
As the days shorten and the temperature drops, your plant’s leaves will start to turn black, and the plant will die back to the rhizome. This is normal, and you can safely trim off any dead growth. The end of the winter dormancy period is an excellent opportunity to repot—and even divide—your plants if necessary before growth begins in September. A 10 cm (4 inch) pot is sufficient for adult plants.
5. Flowers and Seeds
Venus Flytrap Flowers
Fully grown Venus Flytraps flower in spring, but unless you intend to harvest seeds, you should cut off the flower stalk once it’s reached about 5 cm tall. Flowering can be exhausting for Venus Flytraps, and most plants will grow more vigorously during summer if prevented from flowering.
Propagation Tip: If you wish to propagate your flytrap from flower stems, refer to detailed guides or resources specific to South African growers available on our blog.
Growing from Seeds
Growing Venus Flytraps from seed requires patience! It takes many years for seedlings to reach adult size, and for inexperienced growers, it can sometimes be challenging to keep them alive. Additionally, marketplaces like eBay and Facebook often have fake seeds and scams. If you’d like to try seed propagation, always purchase seeds from reputable South African specialist nurseries like Cultivo Carnivores.
We offer Venus Flytrap seed kits and seed variety packs containing a mixture of less-challenging species, perfect for both beginners and experienced growers.
If you wish to sexually propagate your own Venus Flytrap by collecting and sowing seeds, we recommend reading detailed articles and guides tailored for South African conditions available on our website.
6. Feeding
If grown outdoors in South Africa, Venus Flytraps will catch more than enough food for themselves. However, if you keep your plants indoors, feeding them with dead or live insects like flies, spiders, or small crickets can be beneficial. Ensure you've met all their other growing requirements before adding supplemental feeding.
To aid digestion, stimulate the trigger hairs after the trap has closed. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on non-edible matter that may fall into the trap. After placing a dead insect into a trap, you can stimulate the trigger hairs with a toothpick or by gently massaging the sides of the trap with your fingers.
Be cautious not to overfeed. Each trap has a limited digestion capacity, and overfeeding can lead to trap blackening or plant stress.
South African Tip: Utilize locally available insects or ethically sourced feeder insects from Cultivo Carnivores to maintain a healthy diet for your Venus Flytrap.
7. Cultivars and Mutations
The single species of Venus Flytrap—Dionaea muscipula—has been bred horticulturally for many years. Growers have created hundreds of varieties, known as cultivars, and many of these are now available for sale.
All Venus Flytraps consist of a small rosette of leaves (called petioles), each ending in a trap. The traps of adult plants are typically around 2.5 cm in length but can reach up to 5 cm in some of the giant flytrap varieties.
Color Varieties: Examples include the all-green 'Justina Davis' and the all-red 'Akai Ryu' (Red Dragon).
Size Varieties: 'Slack’s Giant' and 'South West Giant' are notable for their larger trap sizes.
Mutants: These are typically the result of tissue culture mishaps, leading to deformations. While some growers appreciate their uniqueness, others may find them less desirable due to functionality issues.
South African Availability: Many cultivars are available through Cultivo Carnivores, allowing growers to choose varieties that best suit their preferences and growing conditions.
8. Purchasing
In South Africa, you can purchase healthy Venus Flytraps and other carnivorous plants from Cultivo Carnivores, the premier destination for carnivorous plants in the region.
We offer a wide selection of plants, compost, seeds, and carnivorous plant collections, including ideal companions like Pitcher Plants and Sundews. Enjoy quick and reliable delivery across South Africa.
Advantages of Shopping with Us:
- Healthier and more robust plants compared to those from general hardware or DIY stores.
- Expert advice on successful growing tailored to South African conditions.
- Support for a local, specialized business passionate about carnivorous plants.
When purchasing, trust Cultivo Carnivores to provide genuine, healthy specimens and exceptional customer service. Avoid unauthorized sources to prevent the risk of counterfeit or unhealthy plants.
Shop Now9. Additional Resources
If you wish to delve deeper into the world of carnivorous plants, consider the following resources:
- Books: "The Savage Garden" by Peter D’Amato is highly recommended. It's considered one of the best books on carnivorous plants, offering detailed chapters on Venus Flytraps and other species. Available through our store.
- Online Communities: Join South African carnivorous plant forums or social media groups to connect with fellow growers, share experiences, and seek advice.
- Local Workshops: Attend workshops or seminars hosted by local botanical gardens or our own events to enhance your growing techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Care Requirements: Venus Flytraps are not as difficult to grow as commonly perceived, provided their specific needs regarding light, soil, water purity, and dormancy are met.
- Conservation: Support conservation efforts by purchasing cultivated plants from reputable sources like Cultivo Carnivores instead of sourcing from the wild.
- Variety and Beauty: With numerous cultivars available, growers can enjoy a wide range of colors and sizes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of these fascinating plants.
If you have any specific questions or need further details on any aspect of growing or caring for Venus Flytraps in South Africa, feel free to reach out to us!
