Care of the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula or Venus flytrap |
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The genus Dionaea, family Droseraceae, includes a single species of carnivorous plant native to North and South Carolina (USA). Common name: Venus flytrap. This species is native to North Carolina and South Carolina, USA. They are small carnivorous plants with thin stems (20 cm/7.87") from which white flowers sprout in summer. The leaves have a long flat petiole and are shaped like an open book. The margin is covered with long, fine teeth. On the upper side they have sensitive reddish hairs that when in contact with an insect act as a spring and the leaf closes; the margin teeth are also closed and the insect is trapped inside. It is then digested by the juices secreted by the leaves. When they finish digestion, the leaf opens again and the operation ends. They are grown in small-sized plastic pots to keep moisture well. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. Dionaea muscipula is a delicate plant that needs a very high humidity, to be located in the shade and protected from the cold. The temperature should not be lower than 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). Planting and transplanting are done in spring. They do not need fertilizers. The enemies of these plants are direct sun, drafts, lack of humidity and sudden changes in temperature. They propagate by division of an old plant or by seeds; it's advisable to buy it already developed. |
Images of the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula or Venus flytrap |
 Dionaea muscipula  Dionaea muscipula  Dionaea muscipula |