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Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) are carnivorous plants that form bulbs. Carnivorous plants live all over the world, but Venus flytraps live only in the boggy areas of North and South Carolina along the eastern U.S. The leaves resemble miniature bear traps with white, daisy-like flowers that appear in spring, reaching heights of about 4-6 inches. As a result of over-collection in the wild, the Venus flytrap is now endangered and primarily grown in greenhouses where they can be obtained commercially. There are many selected forms of Dionaea, many with unusual trap shapes. Colors often change with light levels, seasons, and temperatures.
The bulbs of Venus flytrap are referred to as 'pips' and produce a rosette of broad, heart-shaped leaves with short, stiff 'trigger' hairs. If anything touches these little hairs, it will trigger the two lobes of the leaves to snap shut, trapping whatever is inside. The trap constricts tightly around the insect and secretes digestive juices, dissolving the soft, inner parts of the insect. About five to twelve days later, when digestion is complete, the trap reopens. The leftover parts of the insect simply blow away or are washed away by rain. The time it takes for the trap to reopen depends on the size of the insect, the temperature, the age of the trap, and the number of times it has gone through this process. However, if an object in question is not an insect, the trap will reopen after about twelve hours, spitting it out.
The Venus flytrap is one of the easiest carnivorous plants to grow. Most are grown indoors as houseplants; however, if you live in a humid area that mimics their natural environment, such as a bog garden, they can just as easily be grown outside. If flytraps are grown inside, they will have to be fed insects. A couple of houseflies or small slugs each month are usually sufficient until its dormancy period. If you grow your plant outside, it should get plenty of insects on its own.
Plant the rhizome root side down about 4-5 inches deep in slightly damp soil, keeping the top even with the soil. Do not use potting soil; flytraps like acidic, poor soils that don't stay waterlogged. A 50/50 blend of peat moss and sand works well. Keep flytraps moist and relatively humid. Periodic flooding is also a good idea but provide drainage. Flytraps do not thrive in constantly flooded or stagnant conditions. From early spring through late fall, Venus flytraps should get full sun to partial shade. Provide more shade during warm months and more sun in spring and fall. In bog gardens, flytraps thrive near tall pitcher plants that can provide some shading. Long spindly leaves are a sign of insufficient light. A healthy plant will have some red or pink color in the mature traps. Dark red forms, such as 'Akai-Ryu', need stronger sun to develop the best color. The leaves of Venus flytraps may die back during winter dormancy.
The Venus flytrap reproduces by its rhizome. Early spring is the best time to replant, but do not fertilize flytraps. With simple care, flytraps can live many years.