venus flytrap soil - Knowledgebase Question

Arlington, WA (Zone 7B)
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Question by phillipson20
January 20, 2007
I have a young venus fly trap that I got for christmas. Each leaf,including the trap,is about 2


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Answer from NGA
January 20, 2007
I can't really venture a guess as to how old your venus fly trap is because most lose their leaves during their dormant period, which means that any leaves it has now are relatively new. However, I can provide you with some background information and perhaps you can guess how old your plant is.

The growth cycle of a Venus Fly Trap follows the four seasons with different types of growth in each. In spring, as the plants emerge from dormancy, the plant will produce a rosette of short leaves that hug the surface of the ground with a trap at each tip. The plant is usually not too large at this point, perhaps 2?-4? across. It is also at this time that a tall spike bearing several white flowers will appear.

As summer sets in a different type of leaf is produced. Now, instead of hugging the ground, taller, more upright leaves begin to grow holding the traps several inches above the soil. The traps also change in appearance, being larger overall and having a semi-circular 'notch' in the back. New leaves with traps are constantly being produced to replace the older, dying ones.
Once the days begin to shorten and the temperature starts to drop in fall, a smaller, flat rosette is once again produced, very similar to that of the spring growth. The plant is now preparing for dormancy.

In winter, the plants are semi evergreen and will retain few to several leaves depending on how cold it gets. The leaves are quite tolerant of frosts but extended cold will eventually cause them to die back. Underground, the plant is still quite alive. A scaly bulb, similar to a tiny lily, is resting and building up strength to begin growing even larger the following spring.

Anyone who has watched a Venus Fly Trap snap shut on its prey has been awed at the quick response and seemingly conscious reaction. The trap appears to somehow know when something is within it's reach and can quickly snap the sides of the trap shut on its hinged spine. In reality, none of this is true, although the actual functioning of the trap is no less amazing. When you look closely at the inside of the trap wall you will notice 6 tiny hairs, 3 on each side. Called trigger hairs, it is their sensitivity that gives the plant the ability to know when something is inside the trap. In order for the trap to close, two separate triggers hairs must be touched or one of the hairs must be touched twice. Once this happens the trap will quickly shut, trapping the prey.

Although the trap appears to be somehow hinged along the back, this is not actually the case. The closing and opening of the trap is all a growth process, albeit a quick one. When the first trigger hair is touched, it sends out an electrical signal to the leaf tissue where it is stored. When the trigger hairs are touched again a second impulse is sent out causing the outer layer of cells in the leaf to instantly grow by 25%. The result is that the leaf quickly grows shut. If a suitable meal is caught, the edges of the trap will press tightly together as digestive juices flood the interior. After digestion occurs, the inside layer of cells begin to grow until the trap is open once again. This results in the trap increasing in size by 25% each time. It is for this reason that it is not healthy for the plant to be tricked into closing without being fed too often as a great deal of energy in put into the whole process. If the plant is not getting nourishment it will eventually weaken the plant.

Fly Traps can be grown in bog gardens, bog terrariums or even on a sunny windowsill as long as the proper conditions are provided.

For windowsill culture, the plants should be left in their pots and set into a tray or container that will hold at least an inch of water. Distilled or rain water should be poured into the tray to a depth of approximately 1" and the pots set down into it. The pots should never be allowed to dry out. The plants should be placed in a window that will receive a couple hours of sun daily. Morning sun is best as afternoon sun can scorch the plants as it comes through the glass. Feeding the plants is, after all, one of the greatest joys of owning carnivorous plants but needs to be done in moderation. Only small, soft-bodied insects should be fed to the plants. Overfeeding can kill a leaf and if done in excess can actually kill the plant. Never feed such things as hamburger, raw meat or large insects as they are not digestible and will quickly rot the trap.

Providing natural sunlight will also help the plant to know when it is the proper time for dormancy. This will be stimulated by the shortening day length of fall. As dormancy approaches the plant will produce shorter leaves until only a small rosette of leaves remains. It is at this time that the plant will require cooler temperatures to enter full dormancy. The pots should be allowed to drain, but not become dry, and then be moved to an area having temperatures of 35 to 45 degrees. Suitable areas would include an unheated basement or spare room or the plants can even be overwintered in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator first seal the plant, pot and all, in a plastic Ziploc bag to prevent desiccation. Light is not important for the plant at this time but they should be checked periodically through winter to ensure they are not drying out or starting to rot. Winter dormancy is very important to these plants as if they are forced to grow throughout the year they will eventually run out of energy and perish.

As the days begin to lengthen in the spring, the plants can be brought out of their resting place and gradually exposed to their original growing spot and normal culture should resume. It is at this time that the plants will normally flower and an increase in size should be noticed over the following year. Repotting can also be done at this time using either peat moss or a mix of peat and sand. Never use garden or potting soil, as they do not provide the acidic conditions the plants require.

Hope this information is helpful!

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