Dionaea Venus Flytrap

In this final in the series, we discover the fascinating world of Dionaea Venus flytrap. Let’s find find out more about how to grow them at home!

Dionaea Venus flytrap

The most famous of all carnivorous plants – the Venus flytrap – was first mentioned in a letter by Arthur Dobbs in 1759 and later named by John Ellis in 1768. The Venus flytrap was described as “a great wonder of the vegetable kingdom”. Native to North and South Carolina in the United States, this small subtropical, wetland plant enjoys a temperate climate and a winter dormancy period.

Over millennia this plant’s leaves have adapted to become fascinating mechanisms to ensnare prey. Sweet nectar in the centre of the trap, lure the innocent and on triggering multiple hairs on the leaf. An electric signal is sent that closes the trap in as fast as one-tenth of a second. Teeth on the outer rim of the leaf, interlock, ensuring no escape. Digestive enzymes are then secreted that digest the soft tissue of the insect. Traps can reopen after digestion to ensnare prey again, after which the leaf will then die back. The sensory response is so detailed! Should water droplets or small insects fall onto the leaf, the trigger response will not activate.

Dionaea are flowering perennials and will send offshoots as they grow. With a few basic conditions, these magical plants can be enjoyed for years in a carnivorous plant collection.

READ MORE: Keen to learn more about Tropical Pitcher Plants?

Soil

As with most insectivorous plants, these prefer to grow in plastic pots. As they are rather small specimens, not much space is needed. A soil mixture of 1 part sand and 1 part processed sphagnum moss can be used. They grow naturally in nutrient poor soil. So don’t be tempted to add any fertiliser or normal potting mediums. Because this will burn the roots.

Water

As with Sarracenia, these plants enjoy a constant supply of water. Place the pot in a drip tray and only fill the tray with distilled or rainwater. Avoid watering from the top as this will compact the soil around the roots causing root rot.

Light

Another similarity these two genera have is sun requirements. They need at least 4 hours of morning sun and then bright, indirect light for the rest of the day. Insufficient light will cause the traps to become sluggish when closing. This will in turn cause the loss of vital nutrients in failing to capture prey, and can be fatal.

Do not be tempted to touch the leaves of your Venus flytrap. Too much of the plant’s energy is wasted on closing the trap without capturing the necessary nutrients to sustain their productivity.

It is estimated that carnivorous plants have adapted more than 12 times in their journey to predation, over more than 75 million years. Truly a spectacular feat of nature.

READ MORE: Click here to learn more about carnivorous plants