Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Venus Fly Trap Plant Care
Dionaea muscipula J.Ellis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant native to the temperate and subtropical wetlands of North Carolina and South Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States. Although various modern hybrids have been created in cultivation, D.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun
50–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Venus Fly Trap?
Water Venus Fly Trap every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Venus Fly Trap Native To?
What Is the Venus Fly Trap?
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula) belongs to the Droseraceae family within the Dionaea genus. Venus Fly Trap is native to the temperate and subtropical wetlands of North Carolina and South Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States. Venus Fly Trap is also known as Venus Flytrap.
Venus Fly Trap displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.3 ft. Venus Fly Trap produces small white flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Venus Fly Trap?
Dionaea muscipula requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Venus Fly Trap Need?
Venus Fly Trap thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Venus Fly Trap Prefer?
Dionaea muscipula grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Venus Fly Trap prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Venus Fly Trap?
Nutrient-poor, acidic soil like sphagnum peat moss and perlite mix. Good drainage is essential for Venus Fly Trap to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Venus Fly Trap?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Venus Fly Trap?
Venus Fly Trap can be propagated through division, leaf cuttings.
Is the Venus Fly Trap Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Venus Fly Trap?
Venus Fly Trap is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Venus Fly Trap Need?
Venus Fly Trap grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Venus Fly Trap is native to the temperate and subtropical wetlands of North Carolina and South Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States. In cooler regions, grow Venus Fly Trap as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Venus Fly Trap is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Dionaea genus — compare its care with other Dionaea species on PlantoScan.
Dionaea is part of the Droseraceae plant family — browse all Droseraceae genera and species.
Venus Fly Trap thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Dionaea muscipula J.Ellis, family Droseraceae (first published in Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal. 1: 98 (1773)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Venus Fly Trap as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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