How to grow a Venus flytrap at home?

Venus flytrap (dionaea muscipula) is a predatory herbaceous plant of the sundew family. It feeds mainly on small insects and molluscs. It grows on the damp peat bogs of the Atlantic coast (Florida, North and South Carolina, New Jersey). It is widely distributed throughout the world as an ornamental plant. But how to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds, is it possible to do this at home?

Flycatcher description

Venus flytrap is a flower that personifies fertility and prosperity. It symbolizes love and sympathy, and can also symbolize the feminine principle.

On a short underground stem of the plant, there are no more than 7 leaves collected in a rosette, 3-7 cm in size. It prefers to grow in swamps with a low nitrogen content in the soil. This shortage is compensated by eating nitrogen-containing insects - trap leaves are intended for this.

They appear after flowering, on short stems not exceeding 15 cm in length. The traps are green with a reddish tint. A kind of trap is formed from two sheets, with hairs placed at the edges for better adhesion to each other when triggered.

The glands of the trap produce a special sap that lures insects. To feast on them, the victim sits on the inner petals and collects nectar. At the same time, special hairs on the trap are irritated, and it instantly slams shut. After the blades are completely closed, a kind of stomach is formed, in which the extracted food is digested. After a week of over-etching, the trap opens, the cycle repeats several more times until it dies off.

How to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds

Venus flytrap flower

In the spring or early summer, the Venus flytrap begins to bloom. Small graceful white flowers appear on long peduncles. This process takes up a lot of the flycatcher's energy. Therefore, you should only leave the buds if you need seeds.

The Venus flytrap is not capable of pollinating on its own at home, this will need to be done manually:

• after opening the buds, you need to take a thin brush;
• with its help, collect pollen from one flower;
• with gentle movements, transfer to the pestle of another, trying not to damage it;
• continue to cross-pollinate each flower.

After the ovary appears, the seeds will ripen in about a month. They need to be planted no later than 3-4 months after pollination. Growing from seeds is a rather laborious process.

Stratification process and soil preparation

Venus Flytrap Seeds

This method is carried out before sowing to increase the seed's chance of germination. Seeds wrapped in a cloth moistened with fungicide or potassium permanganate are placed in the refrigerator. You need to regularly monitor that the seeds do not dry out, moisturizing them. The whole process lasts no more than 8 weeks.

Dionea loves sour soil. For its preparation, take two equal parts of perlite, peat, one part of moss and quartz sand. Perlite must be pre-soaked in water for a week, and the sand must be boiled. No drainage is added to the bottom of the pots.

How to plant Venus flytrap seeds

As soon as the soil is prepared, you need to do the following:

1. Sow seeds in small pots or seedling boxes, sprinkle lightly with moss without burying them.
2. Cover containers with glass or plastic wrap.
3. Maintain a constant temperature around 24-28 ° C.
4. Take care of the availability of good bright lighting, at least 15 hours a day.
5. Regularly monitor the moisture content of the soil, it should not be allowed to dry out.

If all the rules are followed, each seed should germinate in two to three weeks, some longer.

First shoots

After the first shoots, as soon as a couple of leaves appear on the shoots, they must be hardened. To do this, for a short time, the seedlings must be ventilated by opening the glass. After hardening, each small dionea is supposed to be transplanted into an individual container. The transplant must be carried out very carefully, not forgetting about the exceptional fragility of the small roots. The plant will grow into an adult only after five years.

Flycatcher cuttings

Growing flycatchers by cuttings is best done in spring. This requires:

1. Cut a few leaves off the rosette. To improve the rooting of cuttings, a growth biostimulant can be used.
2. Before planting, you need to prepare a substrate consisting of quartz sand and peat.
3. Pour the prepared soil in a small layer into containers, and plant the cuttings.
4. Cover the plants with a jar or plastic bottle and place in a lighted place.
5. The disadvantage of this method is the great possibility of rotting and fungal infection. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to ventilate the pots by removing the shelters.
6. After three months, the sprouts will take root - the root system will get stronger. Then they can be transplanted into separate containers using soil for adults.

Dividing a bush for planting

A very easy way to breed a flycatcher. When transplanting, it is removed from the pot, rid of the earth. Gently movements, using a knife, separate the accrete sockets. Then, the resulting flowers are seated in separate containers and carry out the usual care at home.

How to care for the Venus flytrap at home

Despite the great difficulty of growing Dionea, it is much easier to care for it than for other exotic plants:

• indoor flower dionea, can be planted in the garden or placed on the windowsill, preferably on the east or west windows;
• every day you need sunlight for at least 6 hours in the morning or evening;
• when growing a flycatcher in a florarium, an artificial light source is required. It is located at a height of 25 cm from the flower with daily light for 15 hours;
• it is imperative to monitor the humidity of the air, its lack has a bad effect on the plant;
• Dionea needs fresh air without drafts. In the summertime, the flycatcher can be taken out onto a balcony or street, hiding it from direct sunlight on hot days;
• for the flower to feel normal, the temperature in summer should not go beyond 18-28 ° C. In winter, this figure drops significantly, and can become 8 ° C.

Features of watering the flycatcher

It is necessary to ensure that the soil always remains moist, drying out the soil is detrimental to your plant. Also, water should not flow through the top, which will impede the flow of oxygen to the roots.Water is poured into the trays so that the drainage holes are immersed in it. If necessary, the plant itself will compensate for the lack of moisture.

Distilled water or rainwater is most suitable. Small plants in the growing stage need to be hydrated 3 times a week.

Fertilizing and feeding dionea

Feeding Dionea

The use of any dressing is prohibited. Dionea is a predator, therefore she receives all the necessary fertilizers through food - insects. You also need to know a few simple rules:

• you only need to feed the flycatcher once a month. For the entire growing season, 2-3 insects (flies, mosquitoes, spiders) are enough for her;
• the insect should no longer be a trap;
• you cannot feed the flycatcher with worms and insects that have a hard shell, as well as leaf beetles that can damage Dionea;
• it is forbidden as fertilizer, to feed meat, products of general consumption to the venus flytrap;

DO NOT FEED FLOWER

with a disease;

if care measures are not followed (insufficient lighting, waterlogged soil);

when transplanting.

In autumn and winter, feeding stops.

Winter Venus Flytrap Care

Like other plants, the Venus flytrap needs rest during the cold periods of the year. To do this, when the cold weather sets in, it is necessary to stop watering. Reduce lighting gradually and reduce temperature to 5 ° C. The entire dormant period (3 months), the flycatcher can be stored in the refrigerator. All the time you need to monitor the condition of the soil, not allowing it to dry out, and not too much moisturizing, otherwise the flower may wither. In the spring, taking out the dionea from the refrigerator and gradually increasing the temperature, you can continue caring for it.

Venus Flytrap Transplant

Spring is the best time for a Dionea transplant. You can repeat it after 1-2 years. When transplanting, you need to adhere to some rules:

• because of the long roots, the container for the flower needs to be taken deep, but not too wide;
• when replanting a flycatcher, be extremely careful, do not damage fragile roots;
• after removing the dionea from the pot, remove the stuck earth by watering the roots with water;
• as previously written, the soil for planting a flower is prepared by mixing two parts of perlite, two parts of peat, and one part of quartz sand.

Having transplanted dionea, it will take a month for her to take root. During this period, watering must be increased, and the flycatcher must not be exposed to the bright sun.

Pests

Dionea is a Venus flytrap, although it is very rare, but still susceptible to attacks of harmful insects. Most often it is aphid that settles on a plant, especially traps. As a result, they deform and die. To combat aphids, special aerosols are used.

Also, in addition to aphids, the flycatcher can suffer from spider mites. This can happen if the humidity is low. Acaricide solution is able to get rid of these intruders.

Venus flytrap diseases

All flycatcher diseases appear due to improper conditions of detention:

• with constant waterlogging of the air, black spots may appear on the flower. This could indicate a mold infestation. Fungicides effectively deal with this problem.
• after the appearance of a gray cannon, you urgently need to get rid of the infected parts and treat the flycatcher with a fungicide;
• it happens that an insect cannot be digested by a flycatcher, and rotting of the trap begins - the most dangerous disease. If the affected area is not removed, the disease will spread to the entire Dionea.

It's interesting - Rosyanka

Sundew

Venus flytrap in nature grows only in North America. But in temperate latitudes, another insectivorous representative of this family grows.
The sundew is a predator, the most common carnivorous plant. Like Dionea, it feeds on small insects. It grows on all continents except Antarctica: in the mountains, on sandstones, peat bogs in Europe, North and South America, Asia.Most of all grows in Australia.

The root system is poorly developed, and is needed so that the sundew can hold onto the ground. Any kind of soil was chosen by these silent killers. Instead of two predatory petals, the sundew has a leaf with large villi that secrete a sticky paralyzing substance. After the victim falls into the trap, the sundew quickly folds the leaf, enveloping the insect. After several days of digestion, the leaf opens up again.

Part 1 We plant a Venus flytrap

1. Buy a Venus flytrap bulb.

   The easiest and most common way to start growing your Venus flytrap is to order an onion (or several bulbs) from a company that specializes in houseplants. You can choose between several plant varieties that differ in shape and color.

   You can also find a greenhouse in your area selling Venus Flytrap bulbs.

   • This method is not particularly practiced, but you can also grow a Venus flytrap from seeds - keep in mind that it can take up to five years for an adult plant to grow from a seed. Order seeds online and plant them in deep pots with seed growing medium, which consists of sphagnum moss. To place the plant in a warm, humid environment, wrap the pots in plastic bags. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can transplant them into a more permanent growing environment.
2. Choose a container for the plant.

   A glass container is ideal, as the Venus flytrap needs a lot of moisture. This is especially important if you live in growth zones 7 and below, where the air temperature is too low for the Venus fly swatter in winter.

   • If you live in growth zone 7 and below, consider planting the plant in a terrarium. The high walls of the enclosure will trap heat and moisture, allowing the Venus fly swatter to grow. Air flow is also important, so there is no need to plant the plant in a container with a lid. An aquarium or other open-topped glass container will do.
   • If you live in warm climates with mild winters, growth zone 8 and above, then glass pots and regular pots with holes for drainage are equally suitable.
3. Prepare an earthy mixture for the Venus Flytrap.

   Usually, this plant grows on poor soil and receives most of the nutrients by feeding on insects and spiders. To make the soil similar to that in which this plant usually grows, mix 2/3 sphagnum moss and 1/3 sand.

   • If you plant the Venus flytrap in regular potting soil, it will not germinate. There are too many nutrients in normal soil.
   • Never add lemon or fertilizer to the Venus Flytrap substrate.
   • If you are planting in a terrarium, add gravel and soil mixture on top to make sure no water is trapped in the soil.
4. 

   Plant the bulb with the roots down. Dig a small hole in the ground and plant the bulb so that the top is flush with the ground. If you are growing a Venus flytrap from seed, plant the germinated seeds so that the green stem remains open. After the Venus flytrap has been planted, maintaining the necessary conditions and feeding will help the plant grow and thrive.

Part 2 Watering and setting in the sun

1. 

   Keep the ground moist. The natural environment of the Venus Flytrap is the Carolina land, which is always wet. It is very important that the soil in the pot or terrarium in which the Venus flytrap grows is always kept moist to mimic its natural environment. At the same time, there should be no standing water in the pot; There must be good drainage in the pot or terrarium to keep the plant from rotting.

2. Water with distilled water or rainwater.

   Tap water usually contains too much alkali and minerals to water the Venus flytrap.

   The easiest way to water a plant is to collect rainwater.Place a container outside to collect rainwater, and place it somewhere to have it close at hand. Alternatively, you can buy distilled water at most stores.

3. Provide the plant with adequate lighting.

   During warmer months, you can either keep the plant outdoors (until the night temperature gets too cold) or in a sunny spot by the window. Water the Venus flytrap constantly, especially in summer, so that the sun does not dry out the soil.

   • If your Venus Flytrap is growing in a glass terrarium, make sure that it does not burn in the sun. If the plant looks like it has begun to wilt a little, expose it to the sun for only a couple of hours a day.
   • If you don't want to think about how long you need to keep the plant in the sun, you can grow it under a fluorescent light. Turn on the lamp so that it provides the plant with enough daylight, and remember to turn it off at night.
   • If the Venus Flytrap leaves are not pink, then the plant does not have enough sunlight.
4. Bring the Venus flytrap into the house for the winter.

   In winter, the Venus flytrap hibernates. Usually this period lasts from September October to February, March - the time when it is winter in Carolina. During this period, the plant must be kept at a temperature of 1-10 degrees Celsius. Compared to the summer months, the plant should receive less sunlight.

   • If you live in growth zone 8 and below, you can leave the Venus flytrap outside for the winter until the temperature drops below zero.
   • If you live in a place with cold winters, you need to bring the Venus flytrap inside. To protect the plant from frost, while ensuring that the plant has enough sun and the temperature is low enough to hibernate, bring the plant into a garage, shed, or unheated greenhouse.

Part 3 Feeding the Venus Flytrap

1. 

   Let the Venus Flytrap catch its own food. If you keep the Venus flytrap outside, it will catch spiders and insects by itself (only if not everything is sterile in your yard). If you see that the leaves have closed, most likely the Venus flytrap has caught something.

2. Feed the Venus flytrap with larvae or insects.

   If you want to feed a Venus flytrap because she is in the house or because you just want to watch her eat, get maggots, insects, or spiders that are small enough to fit into the leaf trap. Place the food inside the leaf trap or simply release it into the terrarium. The trap is slammed shut when small hairs on the leaves brush against a wiggling insect.

   • It is best to feed the Venus flytrap with live beetles, but recently killed insects will work as well. Moreover, if there is no movement, the trap will not slam shut. Therefore, you will need to wiggle the beetle a little so that it touches a few hairs on the leaf.
   • You can order live or dead beetles from the pet store, but you can also try catching yourself. Black flies work well for small Venus flycatchers. For larger plants, try small crickets.
   • The Venus flytrap can go for months without food. If you do not plan to keep her outside, then in order for her to grow well, you need to feed her at least once a month.
3. Wait for the trap to open again.

   Once the Venus Flytrap's trap is slammed shut, it needs at least 12 hours to digest its food. Digestive enzymes dissolve the insect's soft insides, leaving the exoskeleton intact. After 12 hours, the trap will open and the empty exoskeleton will deflate or wash away.

   • If a small pebble or other indigestible object falls into the trap, it will open after 12 hours and it will fall out.
4. 

   Do not feed the plant with meat. You might want to give the plant a slice of ham or chicken, but the plant doesn't have the right enzymes to digest animal meat. If you feed a plant with anything other than insects and spiders, it can rot and die.

Part 4 Growing New Plants

1. 

   Transplant the plant into a new pot every few years. Be sure to transplant into a pot with a mixture of sand and sphagnum moss. Transplant only in the spring, at the end of hibernation, otherwise the plant will be shocked by being transplanted.

2. 

   Let the plant bloom. Pluck off the small flower stems and leave the sturdier ones with many heads. Let the flower stem grow taller than the plant itself. This way, insects that pollinate the flower will not fall into the traps of the plant. Seeds are then obtained from each flower.

3. Plant the seeds of a mature plant.

   In a few years, when your Venus flytrap is ripe, you will be able to breed plants from the seeds it gives. To get the small, black seeds, break the achene. Plant them in sphagnum moss, water and keep warm until they germinate.

4. 

   Try planting a leaf. Since leaves can take root, you can pinch off a leaf from the plant and see if it can take root. If the right conditions are created, the leaf will die, and a new plant will begin to grow in its place.

Tips

• Don't slam the traps on purpose. Where do you think the plant gets most of its energy from? From this shiny thing in the sky And even this energy is hardly enough. Slamming by hand also does not help catch insects.
• When the heads turn black, pinch them off. In their place, new ones may appear, even more. It all depends on the time of year (the likelihood that this will happen in the winter months is less).

Warnings

• Don't fertilize. If you want the plant to grow better. Give him a couple of flies a month.

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Predatory plants can be called a real miracle of nature. Beautiful petals and an attractive fragrance for insects fascinate not only a potential victim, but also people watching this process, and the way they patiently wait for their prey is worthy of imitation by many mammals.

Many now sighed sadly, because not everyone is destined to see this with their own eyes in the wild, but do not be discouraged. There is an exit! Read how to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds at home, get down to business and very soon your own predator, very scary for insects, but completely harmless for people, will live on your windowsill in a flower pot.

Some general information

This plant has been known to mankind for a long time. The study of the amazing beauty and way of existence of the insect hunter was engaged in the 18th century. There are several names for the predatory flower. One, for his attractiveness and refinement, was given to him in honor of the beautiful Aphrodite's mother, Dionea. The second was appropriated by botanists, and translated from Latin it means "trap for flies", and the third, the most widespread and used one consists of the first and the second - the Venus flytrap (Dionea is better known to world history in the Roman version as Venus).

Having found out that the flower may well exist at home, they began to grow it specifically for decorating window sills, because boasting such a miracle is a real pleasure for a true gardener. And you should not forget about the benefits. No fumigator or sticky tape can so effectively get rid of the annoying itch of mosquitoes and flies that spoil our lives every summer.

Description of the beautiful predator

The Venus flytrap looks rather unusual, but very attractive. In nature, its height is 20 cm, at home it is half that.On the surface of the stem, it is practically invisible, it seems that the leaves grow directly from the ground. They can be conditionally divided into two parts. While the upper one is engaged in hunting, the lower one takes care of the nutrition of the plant and sufficient consumption of sunlight.

The hunting part looks like movable valves with denticles and bristles. Bright red or brown leaves are covered with glands that secrete luring and then dissolving insects mucus. The predator blooms around May - June. Seeds are obtained from flowers.

The appearance of the plant changes with the seasons. With the onset of cold weather, the leaves die off, and the full impression is created that the flower has died. Those wishing to grow a Venus flytrap at home need to know that this is just a wintering. As soon as the first rays of the spring sun appear, the predator will come to life again. The full life cycle under positive conditions is up to 20 years.

How the Venus flytrap hunts

The bright traps of the Venus flytrap attract insects with color and smell. The potential victim sits down on the leaf and the trap is slammed shut. Surprisingly, this plant, possessing some kind of unexplored intelligence by humanity, does not always close, but only when it is really needed.

If a speck, grain of sand, etc., falls on the fragrant slices of the trap, they will not slam. Having received a victim in its nets, the flytrap can process it, depending on the size of the venus, from a day to two or more weeks, and when it opens the doors again, there will be no trace of the insect. Another manifestation of the "mind" of a plant is that one trap is designed to process 2-4 insects (again, depending on the type and size), then it dies off, and while a new trap grows, the flower rests from food and thereby he is saved from gluttony.

Before growing a Venus flytrap, you should carefully study all the care information, because if the plant cannot catch the required number of insects on its own, it will have to be bought or raised on its own.

Conditions for a long life of the Venus flytrap

It was already mentioned above that the lifespan of Dionea is about 20 years, but perhaps such a long existence is only subject to certain requirements for cultivation and care, therefore, those who want to grow the Venus flytrap from seeds at home should take care of studying such rules.

First of all, this applies to the organization of the place of residence. In addition to sunlight and the absence of drafts, Dionea needs moisture, and it is not always possible to achieve it only with abundant watering, because, in principle, water in the soil is not particularly needed, the main thing is the greenhouse effect. If possible, you need to plant it in an aquarium, or create something like a greenhouse yourself.

The Venus flytrap lives best on the windows located on the east side. This is where she can get enough light and heat. Dionea should be watered with either rainwater or distilled water. The ground should be moist, but not wet. With excessive humidity, the bulb will begin to hurt, namely, the health of the entire plant depends on it.

It is advisable that the flower hunt on its own, but if this is not possible, you will have to feed it. To do this, you cannot use dead insects, they must be trapped only alive. Feeding should be done about once every two weeks.

Another important condition is that the Venus flytrap independently provides itself with all the necessary nutrients and does not need additional feeding. Often times, the owners of Dionea make the same mistake. At the time when the plant begins to prepare for wintering, they begin fertilize it thoroughly, mistakenly believing that the wilting of the leaves speaks of Dionea's need for this. In fact, this is what destroys the plant.

Therefore, once again we draw the attention of all readers: before growing a Venus flytrap, study its needs and make sure that you can provide them. During hibernation, which lasts from 2 to 5 months (together with the preparatory stage), Dionea does not need warmth and moisture. She needs a temperature of +6 - 8 degrees and she really needs peace, therefore, as soon as the first signs of preparing the plant for the cold appear, you need to leave it alone.

How to grow a Venus flytrap

The predator reproduces by dividing the bulbs, leaves and seeds, which can be obtained from the sockets formed near the mother plant or collected from flowers. The first two options are possible if Dionea already lives in the house, so the question arises more problems: "how to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds at home?"

The seeds can be pretreated in a weak solution of potassium permanganate to protect against possible pests. Dionea rarely suffers from them, but if, nevertheless, the plant is attacked by a tick or mealy worms, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save it.

After potassium permanganate (hold for 2-3 hours is enough), the seeds are dried on a paper napkin, and then transferred to gauze dipped in a solution of a glass of water and 3 drops of fungicide. The gauze is rolled up, carefully placed in a plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator for 1.5 months. Make sure that the gauze does not dry out while preparing the soil.

Perlite (the result of volcanic activity, very similar in appearance to crushed foam balls. It is appreciated by indoor plant lovers for its ability to retain moisture well, create the most favorable conditions for the development of the root system) is immersed in distilled water and left for a week. Then it is mixed with high-moor peat (1: 1), put in a pot, watered with purified water and left for a day.

After that, the seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 3-5 mm and the pot is covered with a film or a plastic bag is put on top. Do not put the seed pot in the sun. During this period, a temperature of up to 10 degrees is quite enough for Dionea (you can put the pot in the refrigerator if it is too hot in the room). If done correctly, sprouts will appear in 2-3 weeks. The planting should be carried out in the first half of February, then, with the first rays of the spring sun, the plants will undergo natural hardening and will delight their owners with a beautiful appearance for a long time.

Memo for Venus Flytrap Owners

1. Observe the temperature conditions (natural temperature in summer, cold and shade in winter).
2. Do not use fertilizers, even if you think the plant really needs them.
3. Choose a location for Dionea on the east side of the building.
4. Do not use the plant for entertainment (do not touch your fingers, do not feed for display).
5. If the leaves turn yellow before the cold weather begins, reduce the amount of watering.
6. If brown spots appear, but you did not use fertilizer, then the plant has received a sunburn.

The Venus flytrap is the choice of those who are used to standing out from the crowd. Try growing this carnivore flower at home. Follow all the recommendations and you can be proud of the new tenant in your home.

How to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds: video

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When we think of predators, we immediately imagine a wolf, lion or shark. Hardly anyone would think of the charming Venus flytrap plant. Although it is considered the most popular among insectivorous representatives of the flora, it would not hurt to get to know it better.

For the first time, the flower was noticed in the 60s of the 18th century and was named - Dionea, after the name of the ancient goddess. In Roman mythology, her name was Venus, therefore the flower is also called the Venus flytrap.An exotic flower is found in America, along the eastern shores of the United States. Today, the flower is included in the list of endangered plants, therefore, it is under the protection of American conservationists. Despite this, the plant is bred in houses and apartments, as a result, it is known about it in many parts of the world.

Meet the adorable predator

The Venus flytrap belongs to the species of insectivorous representatives of the flora, the Rosyankovye family. It grows up to 15 cm in height. It has bulbous stems. Snow-white buds are collected in inflorescences that appear on a long flowering shoot.

Since a predatory plant grows in a natural environment on soil where there is not enough nitrogen, it needs special feeding. Various insects, slugs and even mollusks make up for the lack of this element.

Leaves are a kind of visiting card of the predatory plant Venus flytrap. It is interesting that on one specimen they are of different types, but each is very important for the favorable development of the flower. When spring comes, 4 or 7 leaves grow from a short underground stem, which form a pretty rosette. Over time, long shoots with white inflorescences appear on it. During the flowering period, the rosettes die off and dense leaf plates grow in their place. They are an excellent support for future traps.

An original "trap" for careless insects is formed at the tips of young rosette leaves. As summer approaches, they become longer, standing vertically to the rosette. The traps themselves consist of two plates, which are framed by sharp spikes. The inside is covered with fine hairs that secrete nectar.

The insect flies to a pleasant aroma and becomes a delicious delicacy of a predatory flower - the Venus flytrap. A light touch on the sensitive bristles causes the trap to snap shut instantly. The leaves close and the insect dies over time. Interestingly, within only 30 seconds, the plant determines the type of victim trapped. If it is a dry leaf, branch or water, the flaps open, and if it is small living creatures, it is time to start your meal.

The processing of insects takes up to 5 days. Some are over-etched for a whole week or even 10 days. After full saturation of the Dioneus - the Venus flytrap - opens its exotic "jaws", waiting for a new victim.

The trap stops working if at least 3 digestion processes have occurred in it. Some flycatchers can digest up to 7 insects in a row.

An exotic plant grows on the territory of Russia, mainly on window sills in residential buildings, and sometimes it is found in personal plots. Within the main species, plants have some differences:

• coloring traps;
• direction relative to the outlet (vertical or horizontal);
• the number of valves (two or three).

On the basis of these data, the original varieties of the flower, the Venus flytrap, were bred, the description of which helps to imagine them.

Akai Ryu

This type of Dionea is distinguished by red leaf plates and traps. The hue does not change with the light. It always remains rich and juicy. A thin green line is visible on the outside of the cute trap.

Dante Trap

This plant grows no more than 10 cm, but it has more than a dozen miniature traps. They are located vertically to the leaf outlet. The outside of the trap is painted a deep green, along which a red line runs. The inside is usually scarlet.

Funnel Trap

The originality lies in the fact that different types of traps are formed on the same plant. When the "predator" is still young, all the elements of the plant are colored green. Only a few years later, the traps turn red.

Giant

The variety is characterized by traps up to 5 cm in length.They form quickly enough on a predatory plant. At first, the flaps are painted in a bright color, but over time they acquire a dark red color.

Dracula

The flower has luscious green leaf plates. The trap is red on the inside and green on the outside. A graceful red stripe runs along the outside along the miniature spikes. A truly charming variety.

Crocodile

Dionea has horizontal leaves and traps that are bright green. The inner region, in young specimens, is usually pink, but later takes on a more reddish tint.

Triton

The variety is distinguished by an unusual type of traps. They are slightly elongated and open only on one side. They often stick together arbitrarily.

Rules for caring for an unusual plant

To successfully raise a charming predator at home, you need to create favorable conditions for her. To do this, you need to choose a suitable place. Undoubtedly, the best option is a windowsill, since the plant needs sunlight for at least 5 hours a day. If it is not enough, additional lighting should be arranged. Some color lovers grow the "predator" in terrariums to create a suitable humidity. In this case, the backlight is required.

The window must face east or west. Otherwise, the plant may get sick.

With proper home care, the Venus flytrap takes root well on the balcony in the summer. In this case, the temperature should be monitored. In summer, it can reach a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, in winter - only up to 7 ° C. If the plant is indoors, it should be regularly ventilated, but without drafts. The flycatcher does not like sudden movements and extreme situations.

It is better to water Dionea with rain water (you can use distilled water). The natural liquid is collected in plastic containers, defended, and then used for watering. The soil in the plant pot should always be moist. With a lack of it, traps can die.

The best way to replenish the amount of moisture in the pot is to place it in a container of water. The flower will independently absorb the required amount of moisture for active growth.

Interestingly, the plant does not need additional fertilization. After all, she receives important elements by feeding on various insects. For the entire growing season, it is enough to feed the plant with two or three live flies, mosquitoes or small spiders. The Venus flytrap shown in the photo feels great after such a meal.

Recommendations for growing an overseas plant

To grow dionea at home, you need to follow simple guidelines. When spring comes, the plant blooms in lush white inflorescences. They need to carry out pollination by hand, doing it carefully, but carefully. A month later, miniature boxes with planting material are formed on the pedicels. 90 days after pollination, flowers can be planted in pots.

If you know how to grow a Venus flytrap from seeds, an exotic "predator" will appear in the house to the delight of the household. They should be sown in warm soil, consisting of sand and sphagnum moss. The containers are placed in a special greenhouse. For 20 days, it is advisable to ensure that the soil does not dry out. If the seeds of the Venus flytrap are planted densely, the seedlings will have to be planted. 2-3 plants are placed in each separate pot. There they develop for about 3 years before fully maturing.

In order for Dionea to be able to delight household members for a long time, she needs a regular rest period of about 3 months. The dormant plant doesn't look very attractive. Some even think it is dying. The overwintering of the Venus flytrap begins with the cessation of plant growth. The leaves darken, turning brown and dry out over time. They should be trimmed.

Usually, winter dormancy lasts from late autumn (November) to the end of February.All this time, the plant is moderately watered, preventing the substrate from drying out. It also needs daylight, albeit in less quantity. The temperature in the room where the flycatcher hibernates should be no higher than 8 degrees. When winter ends and the days get longer, the plant comes to life. Tender shoots appear, which will grow only at the end of spring. And a charming predatory plant will again settle in the house - the Venus flytrap.

Preparing a flycatcher for winter - video