Watering Critical
Flytraps are bog plants. They need pure water and evenly moist soil.
- Use ONLY: Distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water.
- Never use tap water: Minerals will harm the plant.
- Keep soil moist: Not soaked, not dry.
- Tray method: Keep 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water in a tray during the growing season.
Light Requirements Full Sun
Flytraps need strong light to stay healthy.
- Full sun: 4 to 6 hours minimum, 8 or more is ideal.
- Indoors: Use a strong LED grow light.
- Red traps: A sign the plant is getting enough light.
Soil and Potting Special Mix
Regular potting soil will kill a flytrap.
- Use ONLY: Peat moss and perlite, no fertilizer.
- No nutrients: Flytraps get nutrients from insects.
- Pot: Plastic or glazed ceramic. Avoid terracotta.
Feeding Optional
Flytraps do not need you to feed them, but you can if they are indoors.
- Outdoors: They catch their own food.
- Indoors: Feed 1 or 2 traps per month with freeze dried bloodworms.
- Never: Feed meat or human food.
Dormancy Winter
Flytraps must go dormant every winter.
- Timing: November through February.
- Temperature: 35 to 50 F.
- Appearance: Leaves die back. This is normal.
Common Problems Troubleshooting
- Black traps: Normal aging or overfeeding.
- Weak growth: Not enough light.
- Rotting: Soil too wet or poor drainage.