Photo of Dionaea muscipula foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Dionaea muscipula

Also Known As

  • Venus Fly Trap

Plant type

perennial, carnivorous, aquatic

size

  • H: 4"-6"
  • W: 3"-6"

planting zones

  • 8a-11

More Options

Dionaea muscipula plant details

Dionaea muscipula is an evergreen perennial carnivorous aquatic with green and red foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in acidic and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dionaea muscipula

Plant type: perennial carnivorous aquatic
Plant family: droseraceae
Foliage: evergreen green and red
Mature size: 3 IN - 6 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dionaea muscipula

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: acidic and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dionaea muscipula, commonly known as the Venus Fly-Trap, is a carnivorous plant that displays green traps that mature to a bronze or deep burgundy color. The bi-lobed leaf traps snap shut when the short, stiff hairs are touched. Carnivorous plants survive best in containers. Plant and grow in moist to wet soil mix: 50% peat moss, 50% perlite. Water with pure, low mineral water. Do not fertilize or force feed.
Witness the revenge of the plant kingdom. We all know that bugs eat plants but it seems almost a violation of natural order for a plant to eat bugs. The reddish interior of the lobes serves as the main attraction to the insects which the plant devours. No insects around the house? See what happens when you touch the inner lobe with a pencil point. For successful culture, keep in a saucer with water at all times and in a bright location.
The classic Carnivore. Lures insects in, "teeth" prevent them from escaping, and then when they hit the trigger, the plant closes and absorbs them. Allow to slightly dry between waterings. No fertilizer. Winter hardy. Can also be grown indoors.
Insects are attracted to the reddish interior lobes of the fly traps, causing the traps to close and capture the insect. Likes sun and always moist, growing to approx 1-2" tall with a minimum temp of 35 degrees in winter and should be kept above 60 degrees during summer. Do not fertilize. A neat and fun plant to grow.

Gardening facts about Dionaea muscipula plant

How to Grow Dionaea muscipula

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved