You've probably heard of the Venus Flytrap. Not? Then you will be amazed at what makes the plant so special. It's not just interesting looking.
The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is one of the best-known carnivorous plants and belongs to the sundew family. She catches insects and spiders with her trapping leaves, which is always a real spectacle for owners. However, the plant needs optimal conditions for this. Because only with the right soil or only in the right location can the plant develop optimally. But before we get to that, here is some information about the Venus flytrap's lifestyle.
Lifestyle of the Venus Flytrap
Carnivorous plants, so-called carnivores, differ fundamentally from other plants. They do not pull the nutrients from the soil via their roots, but feed on living insects, spiders and isopods. They only need the roots for anchoring. In the case of the Venus flytrap, the two halves of the trapping leaf serve as a trap.
As long as the plant is in the growth phase, the green trapping leaves remain closed. When the plants are fully grown, the trap opens. If there is enough sun, the inside of the catching leaves will turn bright red. The color attracts insects. In addition, the catching leaves spread a sweet scent. They excrete nectar, which in turn attracts insects.
He althy Venus flytraps form three to four new snaptraps every month from spring to autumn. No traps grow in winter, instead a stalk of white flowers grows.
How does the Venus Flytrap catch its prey?
The sticky snap trap is covered with many small receptors and tooth-like bristles. The plant uses this to test whether the insect is suitable for consumption. Only after a successful "test" do the two halves of the leaf close. Insects that are too small crawl out again, suitable food is crushed and gradually digested. After about two weeks, the trap opens again. Inside there are only indigestible residues. The single traprepeats this process three to six times, then it dies.
You can also feed the Venus Flytrap. However, you have to pay attention to a few things. You can find out exactly what here.
The correct location for the Venus Flytrap
The best place for the plant is in the room. Choose a spot by a sunny window so the Venus Flytrap gets plenty of warmth and light. Sunlight is important for the trapping leaves to open. In a very mild, even climate, she can also move outdoors in summer. Humidity between 50 and 60 percent is also ideal. You can increase the humidity in the room with various measures. For example by typing:
- set up an indoor fountain
- spray the plants with lime-free water
- hang a humidifier on the radiators
- Set up bowls of water
The carnivorous plant does not tolerate draughts. So make sure you choose a sheltered location. A good alternative, with which you combine the requirements for draft protection and humidity at the same time, is planting in a disused aquarium or an open glass container.
This is how the floor should be
The Venus Flytrap thrives in a nutrient-poor, lime-free substrate. For example in a mixture of sand and peat. The soil should always be slightly moist. Always use rainwater or still mineral water for watering, but never tap water containing lime. The Venus flytrap does not tolerate this. And please don't fertilize!
From October the plant is in the winter dormant phase. Then keep the pot cool and water very little. You can read what else you need to consider during this time in our article Overwintering the Venus Flytrap - How to get the carnivorous plant through the winter.