Those who venture out to the wetlands on the East Coast of the US should not be surprised if they stumble upon a Venus flytrap. This carnivorous plant is known for its unique structure, which allows it to catch its prey. If you’ve ever thought about owning a Venus flytrap but are unsure of how to care for it, these simple tips will make it easier for you to provide your plant with the environment it needs to thrive.

In order to successfully grow a Venus flytrap, there are some specifics you need to know about its:

• Growing container – Glass or plastic containers are best for growing your Venus flytrap, because the minerals from other containers, like cement or concrete, can seep into the soil and stunt your plant’s growth.
• Soil – Venus flytraps thrive in poor-quality soil. For best results, make your own mixture of 2/3 sphagnum moss and 1/3 sand.
• Water – The soil in your Venus flytrap’s natural habitat is moist, so it’s important to make sure to mimic this as best as possible. Use distilled water or rain water because regular tap water is too rich in minerals for your plant to handle. Additionally, your plant should never be kept in standing water, as this will cause it to rot. 
• Sunlight – Venus flytraps need just the right amount of sunlight and should be placed somewhere like a windowsill. When it gets the right amount of sunlight, the leaves of your Venus flytrap should be a pinkish colors. If it begins to wilt, reduce the amount of sunlight it gets.
• Food – Although most of their food comes from the sun, when kept inside, Venus flytraps will need to be fed occasionally. Place the food – preferably small mealworms or dry fish food – in the plant’s leaf traps. The movements will trigger the trap to close. For best results, feed your plan once a month, but don’t give your Venus fly trap hamburger, as it does not have the proper enzymes to digest meat.

Keeping a Venus flytrap in our apartments in Alachua, FL is just one of the many ways to give your living space a homey touch. To learn more about the benefits of living in our community, call us or stop by the One 51 Place leasing office today.