Venus Flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Keep soil consistently moist with distilled or rainwater
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North Carolina and South Carolina
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus flytrap, is a carnivorous perennial plant with rosette-forming traps composed of hinged lobes that snap shut to capture insects, featuring green foliage with red-tinged interior traps. This species is renowned for its rapid trap closure mechanism, which is triggered by tiny hairs, making it a fascinating example of plant adaptation and insectivory in nutrient-poor environments.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist, acidic soil in early spring
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Keep soil consistently moist with distilled water
- Place in partial sunlight for optimal growth
- Avoid fertilizing; relies on insect trapping for nutrients
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant
Pro Tip
Use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup and keep soil acidic.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain moist, acidic soil 🌱
- Provide partial sunlight for healthy growth
- Use distilled water to avoid mineral deposits
- Place in a humid environment for optimal trapping
Don't
- Avoid overwatering with tap water ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight 🌞
- Refrain from fertilizing; it traps insects naturally
- Do not let soil dry out completely
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Venus Flytrap questions
What zones can Venus Flytrap grow in?
Venus Flytrap is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Venus Flytrap deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Venus Flytrap, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Venus Flytrap bloom?
Venus Flytrap typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Venus Flytrap need full sun?
Venus Flytrap does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Dionaea to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Venus Flytrap with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
