Venus Fly Trap

Product Info

What plant catches insects with snapping leaves? The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a fascinating carnivorous plant known for its hinged, jaw-like traps that snap shut when triggered by unsuspecting insects.

Each trap features tiny trigger hairs that detect movement. When an insect touches the hairs repeatedly within a short period, the trap closes, making this one of the most recognizable and unusual plants in the world. Its compact growth and fascinating feeding behavior make it a favorite for curious plant lovers and collectors.

A Venus Flytrap does not snap shut every time something touches it. Its trigger hairs generally need to be stimulated twice within about 20 seconds to activate the trap. Each trap can close only a limited number of times before it naturally dies and is replaced by new growth.

Plant Care Instructions and Recommendations

Light: Requires several hours of direct sunlight daily. Outdoors, full sun is ideal. When growing indoors, provide the brightest available window or a strong grow light. Insufficient light can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to produce healthy traps.

Water: Keep the growing medium consistently moist using distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater. Avoid tap water and bottled drinking water because their mineral content can damage the roots. A moisture meter can help monitor moisture levels, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Sitting the pot in a shallow tray of appropriate water can help maintain consistent moisture.

Growth Habit: A compact, low-growing carnivorous plant that forms a rosette of leaves with hinged traps. It produces small white flowers on tall stalks and naturally enters winter dormancy.

Pet Warning: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, keep the plant out of reach of pets that may damage or repeatedly trigger its traps.