Dionaea muscipula VENUS FLYTRAP (10 seeds)

Venus Flytrap, also known as Dionaea muscipula, is a perennial carnivorous plant from the Droseraceae family. It grows naturally in the United States, specifically in North and South Carolina. It is undoubtedly the most well-known and iconic of all carnivorous plants.

Its delicate and elegant flowers bloom in the spring. They are white, with a simple structure consisting of 5 oval petals arranged in a circle around a thin, slender stem.

Venus Flytrap seeds are black, very shiny, round, and measure only one millimeter in diameter.

- Features & Interest:

Its trap is shaped like a pair of jaws that close rapidly on prey, capturing insects when they trigger the sensitive hairs. Digestive juices then dissolve the organic tissues so the plant can consume the nutrients. This plant is a marvel of plant evolution.

It is important not to "feed" it manually, as the plant manages on its own, and unnecessary activation of the traps exhausts its energy. It is highly valued as an indoor or outdoor plant, adding an exotic touch to any collection due to the curiosity it arouses.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The most favorable period to sow Venus Flytrap seeds begins in April and May.
• Sow the seeds in a 10 cm pot filled with sifted and pre-moistened peat moss.
• Do not cover the seeds with substrate.
• Water gently using a hand sprayer.
• Place the pot in a warm, humid environment, such as a greenhouse, at a temperature of 25 to 30°C.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It requires a specific substrate that is nutrient-poor. It thrives in a mixture of peat moss, sphagnum moss, and perlite or quartz sand to ensure good drainage. Avoid rich potting soils or compact dirt.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It grows best in full sun, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day. Sufficient light is essential for healthy growth and to achieve the vibrant red coloration inside the traps. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

The Dionaea is hardy in regions where winter temperatures do not drop below -3°C. In winter, it is essential to provide a dormancy period with temperatures between 0°C and 10°C to ensure its survival and future flowering.

- Irrigation / Water Needs:

It requires watering with rainwater, distilled water, or demineralized water to avoid lime and minerals. The substrate must remain moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to place the pot in a tray filled with water to allow the plant to absorb what it needs from the bottom.

- Multiplication / Propagation:

Venus Flytrap can be multiplied by division of the rosettes or by seeds. Division is best done in the spring by gently separating the young plantlets.

- Maintenance:

This original variety should be repotted every 3 or 4 years if it has grown significantly and the pot has become too small. Repotting into an acidic substrate should be done during the winter dormancy period.