Who doesn't know them! The Venus Flytrap is the best-known carnivorous plant in our country. It can be found in more and more apartments and is nurtured and cared for by plant lovers. So that the extraordinary (room) plant can also enjoy optimal growth, you should pay attention to a few things when caring for the Venus fly trap. We will show you exactly what that is in our article and then it will finally work! The story of the Venus Flytrap Dioneae muscipula actually sounds like a normal plant species. But the plant is known worldwide as a so-called carnivorous plant. That is why proper Venus flytrap care is very important. Originally it only grows in a very small region in the USA and was first mentioned on April 2, 1759. In a letter to botanist Peter Collinson, then-Governor of North Carolina Arthur Dobbs described the unique and unusual plant. Just ten years later they were also bred in Europe. The Latin name Dioneae muscipula was of course not chosen without reason: It is derived from the words Dione=goddess, mother of Venus and muscipula=mousetrap. Particularities of the Venus Flytrap Since the Venus flytrap belongs to the carnivores (meat-eating plant) in the plant kingdom, it naturally also feeds on small animals that get caught in its oval tentacles, which can be up to four centimeters in size. In the wild, it is considered a survivor because it has developed independent strategies for nutrient uptake not only from the ground but also from the air. As soon as an animal gets caught in its trapping leaves and touches the tiny tactile bristles several times within a few seconds, the snap trap suddenly closes. The insect sitting in the trap will be decomposed by the plant's own digestive juices over the next few weeks. After that, the tentacles suddenly open and wait for replenishment. The right Venus flytrap care: location, watering, repotting etc. Venus flytrap care involves a few things you should be aware of. You can find out everything you need to do for a good location or an optimal water supply for your plant here. Venus Flytrap Location: Please Sun! Correct care of Venus fly traps primarily includes the right location. The carnivorous plant loves the sun and warmth (20 to 32 °C). Humidity should also be fairly high, between 50 and 80 percent is perfect for them. You should avoid drafts. In your apartment, a window sill is suitable that faces south-west or south-east and thus provides enough sun. The Venus flytrap is usually hardy down to minus ten degrees Celsius, but it shouldn't get colder. In the winter months, the plant is in its dormant phase and you are welcome to put it in a south-facing window in a less heated or unheated room. Tip: Due to the sun's rays, their catching leaves turn slightly reddish. This is a sign that your plant is healthy. Venus flytrap earth: It should be lime-free The right Venus flytrap care is also characterized by the choice of the right substrate. A low-nutrient and also lime-free substrate is best suited for your plant. For example, you can choose a mixture of sand and peat. Tip: You can also buy special carnivore substrate that is free of lime, as the Venus flytrap is very sensitive to it. Water the Venus Flytrap: Better from below than from above Of course, you mustn't forget to water your Venus flytrap so that it thrives. If possible, you should always use rainwater or still mineral water. The plant does not tolerate conventional tap water well due to the high lime content. Your watering rhythm should be such that the soil is always slightly damp. Tip: Place the flower pot in a saucer and pour the water into it (about two centimetres). This allows the plant to absorb the water perfectly from below. If she has completely absorbed it with her roots, then wait about two days before you supply her with water again. While they are dormant in the winter months, you should water them significantly less. Fertilize Venus flytrap: Better low in nutrients Since the Venus flytrap tends to grow in nutrient-poor soil in its natural habitat, it does not normally need any additional nutrients for its growth. On the contrary, too many nutrients can even harm her because she is not used to them. In the worst case, your plant can die. So remember, there are usually enough nutrients in the plant substrate so that additional fertilization is not necessary. Cut Venus flytrap properly Proper care for Venus fly traps not only includes the right soil and regular watering, but also cutting off the flowers. Since these rob the plant of a lot of energy, it makes sense to remove them. This allows the plant to concentrate on developing its trap flaps. As soon as you notice the small buds, you should carefully cut them off so that they don't develop any further. Because the more flowers the Venus flytrap has, the fewer flaps it forms. And since you probably have the plant in your home more because of its special trapping flaps, you should also pay attention to that. Repot Venus Flytrap: At the end of the dormant period So that your Venus flytrap feels really comfortable with you, it is important that you repot it regularly. Of course, the same applies here: If the plant has become too big for its pot, then it is time for a new one. This is the case almost every year. In addition, this also offers you the opportunity to provide the plant with new substrate with the nutrients it contains. For proper Venus flytrap care and repotting, it is best to plant them in a new, larger flowerpot between the end of February and the beginning of March (end of the dormant period). It is particularly important that you always use new substrate, as some of the peat that is included decomposes over time and needs to be replaced. After repotting, you should not place the Venus flytrap in direct sunlight, but slowly get used to the sun's rays. Also pour water on the substrate until it collects in the saucer. Propagating Venus Flytrap: It's that easy To propagate your Venus flytrap, there are two methods you can use. Either you grow your small carnivorous plant family using seeds you have harvested or bought yourself, or you divide one of your plants into two or more parts. We explain the latter of the two methods to you here: In spring, when you repot the plant, this is also the best time for a division. If you carefully lift the Venus flytrap out of its pot, you can pluck it apart into several parts. However, each daughter plant should have sufficient roots and leaves. You can then put them in new pots.When caring for the daughter Venus flytrap, you proceed in exactly the same way as you did for the mother plant Is the Venus Flytrap poisonous? You don't have to be afraid, because the digestive juices of the Venus flytrap are not poisonous to us humans or your pets, only dangerous for insects that get caught in the flaps. In order to feel real chemical burns on your finger, for example, you have to hold it in the catch flap for weeks. Of course none of us do that. Tips for Venus Flytrap problems Doesn't your venus flytrap develop trapping flaps? Then it has probably formed too many flowers and therefore no longer has any energy. you can easily solve the problem by always cutting off the flowers in good time. Furthermore, it is not necessary to feed your plant extra. Since it has the property of storing nutrients in its leaves, it can simply release them if, for example, there are not enough insects in winter. In addition, the flaps cannot open and close at will, but can only perform this movement about seven times in the course of their lives. For this reason, it is not recommended to supplement feed the Venus Flytrap. Find the matching plant Are you looking for the right companion for your Venus flytrap? No problem! In our current range you will find numerous suggestions for further decorating your home. .
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