World Famous Venus Fly Trap Plant
Complete with a full online instructions of accurate growing information at the bottom of this page. Please read the growing instructions before purchasing your plant. If you cannot provide the correct conditions for your plant to grow, then it will probably die rather quickly. Please do not leave negative feedback if you read and provide the correct growing conditions!
Just $6.99!
Guaranteed** Live, Healthy & Happily Growing
with several hungry mouths to feed!
We send Quality potted plants!
No seeds, No bulbs...
That means No Waiting!Did you know that growing venus fly traps by seed will take at least 3 years before they get to be the same size as the ones we ship to you? Venus Fly traps grown from corm/bulb will take up to a year to reach the same size. Don't be fooled by "fly-by-night" vendors - We have been growing & selling Carnivorous Plants for 15 years and we will be selling them long after the others have come and gone! We are conservation minded - these plants are commercially propagated and grown in our own greenhouses.

The Best Carnivorous Plant Value on eBay!
Dionea muscipula (Typical form)This amazing plant is known for it's unique jaw-like traps. Venus Fly Traps are carnivorous plants that lure, capture and digest insects. If the prey attracted by the sweet odor touches the trigger hairs inside the trap, it will snap shut catching its victim. Adds a new dimension of activity to your plant collection. (Note: Plants sold during late fall through late spring are generally smaller that those available other times of the year.)For sale are1 fascinating venus fly trap plant, potted in a 3" pot, for one low price!

NO HASSLES, NO WORRIES...NO BARE-ROOT PLANTS that you have to figure out how to transplant as soon as they arrive!

We also sell other fascinating products, flora and fauna! Terrariums
Vivarium Supplies
Waterfalls
Simulated Rock &
Fossil Backgrounds
Cork Bark
Cypress Driftwood
Manzanita Branches
Jungle Vines
Strange Pods
Growing Supplies
T-Shirts
Books & Much, Much More Venus Fly Trap Food
Flightless Fruit Flies
We raise and breed
Poison Dart Frogs
(non-toxic in captivity due to their diet)
Sorry...these cannot be sold on ebay.
Please inquire.
also...
Dart Frog Habitat Kits
Carnivorous Bog Kits
Rainforest Miniature Jungle Kits
Ant Farm Habitats Epiphytes
(Air Plants)
Miniature Orchids
Bromeliads
Ant Plants
Jewel Aroids
Tropical Pitcher Plants
Many other Rare & Exotic
Tropcial Collectors Plants!

Live delivery is guaranteed* only when delivered to a location where someone will be present when the Postman delivers the package...such as to a work place, family member, or neighbor. Live delivery guarantee is void if box is left by the delivery man to a location that does not have immediate climate control. (cannot be left on a door step, hot or cold porch, etc.) We reserve the right to charge an additional $2 fee when temperatures in your area are other than 40-90 degrees fahrenheit to cover the additional cost of insulated box and/or heatpacks/coolpacks. ALASKA* -Due to temperature extremes and conditions beyond our control, we do not guarantee live delivery to the state of Alaska. Order at YOUR RISK only!! (Summer months are your best bet for live delivery.)Fast Delivery! On average, orders are processed within 1-5 business days after receiving them. (A business day is Monday - Friday excluding holidays) During periods of heavy workload, inclement weather, holidays, or during shows, etc., orders may take additional time for processing. After processing, plants will be shipped via Priority Mail which averages 2-3 business days.RUSH SERVICEmay sometimes beavailable for an additional $10 service fee plus applicable shipping costs. RUSH SERVICE assures that your order will ship within 1 business day. Additional delivery time will be dependent upon the shipping option you select. Overnight delivery is available. Please call 800-268-1813 for expedited delivery options and costs.

Who are we? Carnivorous Plant World, also known asOur Retail Store & Nursery are Located in Central New England
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Venus Flytrap Care Sheet

Dionaea muscipula

Probably the best-known plant carnivore, Venus Fly Traps are not difficult to grow when provided with the proper care. These plants are not only fun to grow but educational as well, providing an ideal introduction to the strange world of nature for children of all ages. One of the biggest misconceptions about these plants is that they hail from some steamy, tropical locale, bathed in moisture and humidity. In reality, these plants are probably more similar to garden perennials than tropical species.

In nature these plants are found growing in the open, sunny and damp grasslands of southeastern North Carolina and extreme northeastern South Carolina at the edges of swamps and ponds in a peaty and sandy soil. Although the conditions are warm and humid, the plants do not like stagnant air and enjoy several hours of direct sun each day. During winter, the plants go dormant in response to the shorter days and colder temperatures. In order to successfully cultivate the plants it is a good idea to first get a better understanding of their natural history and try to replicate their needs How the Plant Grows:

The growth cycle of a Venus Fly Trap follows the four seasons with different types of growth in each. In spring, as the plants emerge from dormancy, the plant will produce a rosette of short leaves that hug the surface of the ground with a trap at each tip. The plant is usually not too large at this point, perhaps 2”-4” across. It is also at this time that a tall spike bearing several white flowers will appear.

As summer sets in a different type of leaf is produced. Now, instead of hugging the ground, taller, more upright leaves begin to grow holding the traps several inches above the soil. The traps also change in appearance, being larger overall and having a semi-circular 'notch' in the back. New leaves with traps are constantly being produced to replace the older, dying ones.

Once the days begin to shorten and the temperature starts to drop in fall, a smaller, flat rosette is once again produced, very similar to that of the spring growth. The plant is now preparing for dormancy.

In winter, the plants are semi evergreen and will retain few to several leaves depending on how cold it gets. The leaves are quite tolerant of frosts but extended cold will eventually cause them to die back. Underground, the plant is still quite alive. A scaly bulb, similar to a tiny lily, is resting and building up strength to begin growing even larger the following spring.

How the Trap Works: Anyone who has watched a Venus Fly Trap snap shut on its prey has been awed at the quick response and seemingly conscious reaction. The trap appears to somehow know when something is within it's reach and can quickly snap the sides of the trap shut on its hinged spine. In reality, none of this is true, although the actual functioning of the trap is no less amazing. When you look closely at the inside of the trap wall you will notice 6 tiny hairs, 3 on each side. Called trigger hairs, it is their sensitivity that gives the plant the ability to know when something is inside the trap. In order for the trap to close, two separate triggers hairs must be touched or one of the hairs must be touched twice. Once this happens the trap will quickly shut, trapping the prey. Although the trap appears to be somehow hinged along the back, this is not actually the case. The closing and opening of the trap is all a growth process, albeit a quick one. When the first trigger hair is touched, it sends out an electrical signal to the leaf tissue where it is stored. When the trigger hairs are touched again a second impulse is sent out causing the outer layer of cells in the leaf to instantly grow by 25%. The result is that the leaf quickly grows shut. If a suitable meal is caught, the edges of the trap will press tightly together as digestive juices flood the interior. After digestion occurs, the inside layer of cells begin to grow until the trap is open once again. This results in the trap increasing in size by 25% each time. It is for this reason that it is not healthy for the plant to be tricked into closing without being fed too often as a great deal of energy in put into the whole process. If the plant is not getting nourishment it will eventually weaken the plant. Fly Traps can be grown in bog gardens, bog terrariums or even on a sunny windowsill as long as the proper conditions are provided.

For windowsill culture, the plants should be left in their pots and set into a tray or container that will hold at least an inch of water. Distilled or rain water should be poured into the tray to a depth of approximately 1" and the pots set down into it. The pots should never be allowed to dry out. The plants should be placed in a window that will receive a couple hours of sun daily. Morning sun is best as afternoon sun can scorch the plants as it comes through the glass. Feeding the plants is, after all, one of the greatest joys of owning carnivorous plants but needs to be done in moderation. Only small, soft-bodied insects should be fed to the plants. Overfeeding can kill a leaf and if done in excess can actually kill the plant. Never feed such things as hamburger, raw meat or large insects as they are not digestible and will quickly rot the trap.

Providing natural sunlight will also help the plant to know when it is the proper time for dormancy. This will be stimulated by the shortening day length of fall. As dormancy approaches the plant will produce shorter leaves until only a small rosette of leaves remains. It is at this time that the plant will require cooler temperatures to enter full dormancy. The pots should be allowed to drain, but not become dry, and then be moved to an area having temperatures of 35 to 45 degrees. Suitable areas would include an unheated basement or spare room or the plants can even be overwintered in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator first seal the plant, pot and all, in a plastic Ziploc bag to prevent desiccation. Light is not important for the plant at this time but they should be checked periodically through winter to ensure they are not drying out or starting to rot. Winter dormancy is very important to these plants as if they are forced to grow throughout the year they will eventually run out of energy and perish.

As the days begin to lengthen in the spring, the plants can be brought out of their resting place and gradually exposed to their original growing spot and normal culture should resume. It is at this time that the plants will normally flower and an increase in size should be noticed over the following year. Repotting can also be done at this time using either peat moss or a mix of peat and sand. Never use garden or potting soil, as they do not provide the acidic conditions the plants require.

Growing the plants in bog terrariums is virtually the same however the main difference is that the plants are not left in their pots and providing appropriate lighting is extremely important. Standard ten gallon or twenty gallon 'long' aquariums work well as they allow sufficient room for the plants but are not too tall. The substrate in the tank can be either straight peat moss or a mix of peat and sand. The mix should be kept damp to wet at all times so a drainage layer is not necessary. It is important to use only distilled or rain water as minerals will quickly accumulate in a closed system such as this. Since the plants do best with at least some direct sun, providing them with at least 40 watts of fluorescent lighting at a height no more than 8”-10” above the plants is best. If the terrariums are too tall it can be difficult to provide the light intensity required. The day length provided should fluctuate seasonally to tell the plants when to grow and when to go dormant. The whole terrarium can be moved to a cold basement or unheated room for the winter. Alternatively, the plants can be uprooted from the terrarium and placed in Ziploc bags with some damp peat moss and over-wintered in the refrigerator.

By far the easiest way to grow these plants is outdoors in bog gardens. In almost every part of the US with the exception of the hot, dry desert southwest, plants grown in this way are far superior to those grown behind glass. Bogs can be as simple as an undrained container with a minimum depth of 8” and minimum width of 12”. The container is filled with a peat and sand mix and the plants are planted directly into it. A top dressing of sphagnum moss will help prevent the peat from splashing up during rain storms. The bogs are kept wet at all times and placed where they will receive several hours of direct sun every day. The plants feed themselves and the growth rates, plant health and color are phenomenal. Being exposed to the full elements outdoors enables the plants to know when it is time to bloom, grow and go dormant. In all but the coldest areas of the country the bog gardens can be left outdoors year round. In severe winter areas the plants are best over-wintered in cold basements or by using the refrigerator method described above.

Venus Flytrap F.A.Q.

Dionaea muscipula

Venus Fly Traps can be very rewarding to grow but too often people run into problems and don't know why. We have complied a list of frequently asked questions and common problems that should help answer most of your questions. Please use this information in conjunction with our culture instructions to help ensure that your new plant will thrive.

My Venus Fly Trap came with a plastic dome over it. Should I keep this on it or take it off?
Always remove any plastic dome from the plant. You may have to do this gradually over a period of a few days as the plant will be used to higher humidity. Lift the cup more and more each day until it is completely off after a week or so. Some nurseries will put these little plastic cups over the plants to help keep them from drying out while sitting on a store shelf but the plant will grow much stronger without it. No experienced carnivorous plant grower will grow their plants this way. This can also be used as a warning sign when shopping for fly traps. Plants under domes will tend to be softer, weaker and more prone to pests and disease.

What kind of light does my VFT need?
Venus Fly Traps grow out in full sun conditions in nature and require the same light levels in cultivation. If sunlight is not available, bright fluorescent light can be provided as a substitute. A minimum of 40 watts is needed and a day length no less than 14 hours should be given for optimum growth.

What kind of soil should I use to repot my plant?
The only type of soil you should use is peat moss. Never use potting soil or garden soil as these do not provide the right acidic conditions the plants need.

What kind of water should I use?
Always use either rain water or distilled water. If your tap water is very low in minerals you might be able to use it after letting it sit in an open container for a few days. Water that contains a lot of minerals and chemicals can quickly kill the plant.

How much humidity does my plant need?
VFTs are not tropical plants and actually like good air circulation. A humidity level of about 40%-70% is good.

What can I feed my plant?
Any small, soft-bodied insect can be used for food. Small crickets, spiders and flies will work well. If the food item is too large, it will rot before the plant can finish digesting it and the trap will turn black.

How often should I feed my plant?
As long as the plant is in full growth and has several traps open you can feed the plant. Never feed more than half the number of traps open at any one time. If the traps are not closing properly, remove the food item and check the growing conditions to be sure everything is being done correctly. Wait a few days and then try feeding again. It can take a week or so for a trap to completely 'reset' after digesting a meal.

I heard that hamburger is a good food for these plants. Is that true?
NO! Never feed any type of meat to your fly trap. It will cause the trap to rot and waste the plant's energy.

Can I trick the trap into closing without actually feeding it?
It is possible to get the trap to close without feeding it just by touching the trigger hairs, however this is not a very good idea. Although doing this on occasion will not seriously hurt the plant, it does weaken it since the closing and opening is actually a growth process. If the plant does not get fed it will eventually run out of energy.

Can I use other types of fertilizer to feed the plant?
No. Never use any type of fertilizer with fly traps. They have very sensitive roots and it will quickly burn them and kill the plant. The insects that the plant traps act as a fertilizer.

Do I have to feed my VFT anything at all?
No, but it definitely helps them to grow faster and bigger. Just like regular plants, Venus Fly Traps can use sunlight to make energy if no insects are available.

Common Problems

My Venus Fly Trap leaves are just laying on the top of the soil and they won't stand up. What's wrong?
The plant is probably in its Spring or Fall growth phase. During this time the plant makes leaves that lie flat against the ground and the traps are somewhat smaller. As the days get longer the new summer leaves will emerge. These are longer, stand more upright and have bigger traps.

My plant does not seem to be growing very fast. I have a light over it but only a couple new leaves have come out and they are very small.
Insufficient light is probably the cause. VFTs grow in full sun in nature and need very bright light when grown indoors. See the info about lighting in the FAQ section.

My plant is making new, longer leaves but they are very thin and the traps are also small. Instead of standing upright they flop over to the ground.
Insufficient light is probably the cause. See the info about lighting in the FAQ section. Also, the humidity could be too high. VFTs do not like tropical conditions and need good air circulation. If there is a dome over the plant take it off!

I have tried feeding my plant but the traps do not close very quickly, or not at all.
Slow closing traps usually means that the plant is too cold. Since this is a growth process, the warmer the plant, the quicker it will close. Try raising the temperature to around 80 degrees and see how the plant reacts. If it is still not closing properly the traps may not be fully reset from a previous closing or the light may not be bright enough.

After I fed my plant the trap turned black.
This indicates that the food item offered was too large and rotted instead of being digested. Trim the black trap off and use smaller food items next time. In nature, insects that are too large to digest are also strong enough to escape from the trap, allowing the plant to avoid rotting a trap and wasting energy.

My plant is making new leaves and traps but some older ones are turning black.
This is normal. As the plant grows, older leaves are replaced with new ones so the plant cuts off energy to the old ones causing them to turn black. Simply trim them off and remove them.

The edges of my plant's leaves are turning brown and dry.
This can be caused by a few different things. It can happen if the humidity is too low, causing the leaves to dry out. Humidity should be kept between 40%-70%. It can also happen if minerals are building up in the soil. Either repot the plant or flush the soil several times with rain or distilled water.

Happy Growing!!