Venus mouse trap

Dionaea muscipula | Also known as: Venus fly trap, Venus Flytrap | Rating: 1 votes | Print / Pdf

Watch as this plant eats poor innocent flies. The plant of choice for any serial killer.

The iconic Venus Flytrap is a delightful plant to grow, and has wonderful hinged pairs of leaves that form a clam shape. It’s these that trap flies, giving Dionaea muscipula its well known name. These close thanks to hair like sensors that are aware when an insect enters, causing the leaves to close and trap it. Then chemicals inside the plant break it down, and the unfortunate victim is digested by the plant. During the summer it blooms with tiny white flowers. Grow indoors or in a conservatory, and place in a partially shaded of full sun position for the best results.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.15 - 0.45
Spread [m]
  • 0.15
Dominant flower colour
  • White
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Early summer
  • Mid summer
Foliage in spring
  • Red shades
Foliage in summer
  • Red shades
Foliage in Autumn
  • Red shades
Foliage in winter
  • Red shades
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
  • leaf cuttings
Growth habit
  • Clump-forming
  • Spreading
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
Hardiness zone
  • Z12-15
Heat zone
  • H12-1
Heat days
  • 0 - 210
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Soil type
  • sandy
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Exposure
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Exotic, house plants & other
  • Carnivorous
Grown for
  • Ornamental Foliage
Creative category
  • Kid Approved
  • For Beginners
Garden type
  • Indoor or winter garden
  • Containers
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 2 to 5 years
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