Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Can I Feed My Venus Flytrap Hamburger Meat?

It amazes me how often someone is told that they can give their venus flytrap hamburger meat.  This is absolutely not true!  Avoid giving your flytrap anything other than flies, spiders, crickets and other bugs that are appropriate.  If a store employee tells you to give your flytrap some hamburger meat, they do not know what they are talking about.

What can happen if you do?  Your flytrap will start to fail and eventually die. 

Sunday, April 18, 2010

What is the Biggest a Venus Flytrap Can Grow?

Are you wondering what is the biggest a venus flytrap can grow?  Well, I can tell you that it is nothing like you may have seen in the movies.  A venus flytrap can not grow large enough to eat a human, not even close. 

The largest venus flytrap trap you will see on one of these interesting plants is about 4".  This is considered quite large by general standards.  You would have to be an experienced grower or a very well-read beginner to grow your venus flytrap to this size right off of the bat.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Why Does the Venus Flytrap Eat Bugs Anyway?

If you are wondering why the venus flytrap traps bugs for food, the answer is an interesting one that shows how things in nature can adapt to survive.

In the marshes and bogs where venus flytraps originate, there was not much in the way of nutrients in the soil for the plants.  So, they venus flytrap plant adapted and begin to trap it's prey to digest the nutrients it needed.  How great is that?  The plant actually has a scent that attracts bugs to it and then it traps them when they get there.  If they can do all of this in order to survive, we can do anything, right?

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Venus Flytrap Flower

Did you even know that there is such a thing as the Venus Flytrap flower?  Many people do not.  Most owners of venus flytrap plants, especially beginners, do not allow them to flower. 

The reason the venus flytrap flower is not desirable is that it takes a lot of energy away from the plant itself.  In fact, if you are not a seasoned flytrap owner, you may lose your plant completely.  Many beginning flytrap growers lose their plant after it flowers. 

The flowers are cute, white and delicate looking.  If your plant is let go too long and the bud starts to open, forget it, you have waited to long to cut it off. You might as well enjoy the flowering process and try to collect seeds for more plants.

If you don't want your plant to flower, just cut it off at the stem when you see the bud forming on the little branch.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Venus Flytrap is Great For Kids!

The venus flytrap is great for kids.  Not only is it super interesting and kids will be fascinated by the fact that it "eats" bugs, but they will love so many things about it.  You have got to read this post written by 8-year-old Micaela.  Why Venus Flytrap is a Great Plant For Kids

Saturday, March 13, 2010

All of Your Flytraps Should Be Awake!

Venus flytrap dormancy should be over now.  All of your plants should be awake and ready for you to enjoy!  Why not get it a new home and put together a nice new terrarium home?  Your flytrap will appreciate it. 

Don't have a venus flytrap yet or thinking about getting one?  Now is a good time to buy venus flytrap plants.  They are awake and ready to party! 

Remember, only feed it when it is necessary and take good care of your plants.  You have a long period of enjoyment ahead of you.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Do Not Set Off Traps For Fun!

I know, I know, it is tempting to set off the traps to show your friends and family.  But soon all you will have to show for it is black, dead traps.  You could even end up killing your venus flytrap plant.  It is not worth it! 

You coolness factor goes way down when your plant turns black.  The traps should only be stimulated in order to eat a meal.  Proper venus flytrap care is vital to maintaining a healthy plant.