Venus Flytraps are easy to grow if you follow a few simple rules…..

Venus Flytraps require a soil that is low in nutrients and slightly acidic. Potting soil or topsoil will kill a Venus Flytrap. A mix of pure sphagnum peat moss and silica sand (not beach sand nor play sand, but readily available as pool filter sand) or perlite in equal amounts will provide your plants with a moisture retentive but well drained planting media.

Venus Flytraps require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day, and if you can protect them from the midday sun in the heat of the summer, they will show their appreciation with continued growth.

Venus Flytraps need very pure water, with less than 50 ppm dissolved solids. Bottled, purified, boiled, well water, and tap water are not acceptable unless you are able to confirm less than 50 ppm dissolved solids. Keep your Venus Flytrap in a saucer of ½-1” of water and refill as needed.

Venus Flytraps do not require fertilizer, they get everything they need from the insects they trap and photosynthesis. If you keep your Venus Flytrap outdoors they will catch all the bugs they need to thrive.

Venus Flytraps require a dormant period. During the fall, as the days begin to get shorter and temps fall, the plant will start to slow down. Venus Flytraps are hardy to 20f but it’s best to bring potted plants inside below 32f. Venus Flytraps don’t require as much watering during dormancy but still can’t be allowed to dry out. At this time you may carefully cut off any traps that have turned black. When spring approaches, consider repotting or dividing the plant if necessary.