Venus Fly Trap

Light Requirements

Venus Fly Traps love bright, direct sunlight. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. A sunny windowsill or outdoor spot (during warm months) is ideal. If growing indoors with limited sunlight, use a strong grow light for 12-14 hours a day to keep traps vibrant and strong.

Watering Needs

Always use distilled, rain, or reverse-osmosis water, never tap water, as minerals can harm the plant. Keep soil consistently damp but not soggy by using the tray method: place the pot in a shallow tray of water about 1/2 inch deep, letting it absorb from below. Empty any excess water after a few hours to prevent root rot.

Humidity & Temperature

Venus Fly Traps thrive in moderate to high humidity (50-80%), but can adapt to average indoor air if kept moist. Ideal temperatures are 70-90°F (21-32°C) in summer and 40-55°F (4-13°C) during winter dormancy.

Soil & Fertilizing

Use a nutrient-free mix, 1 part peat moss to 1 part perlite or sand. Never add fertilizer, it will burn the roots. These plants get their nutrients from catching insects, not from the soil.

Pet Safety

Non-toxic, but not edible. Keep away from curious pets that might knock it over or trigger traps unnecessarily.

Fun Fact

Each trap can only close 4-6 times before it dies off, after digesting a meal, it reopens, then eventually withers and is replaced by new growth.

Native Region

Coastal wetlands of North and South Carolina, USA, where they grow in sunny, humid bogs with nutrient-poor soil.