Venus Flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
The Venus flytrap is originally native to North Carolina and South Carolina. The plant received its name as it is used to trap unwanted pests. Continue to scroll down the page to learn intriguing information about the beautiful plant.
VENUS FLYTRAP HISTORY
In Roman mythology, Venus was known as the roman goddess of love. She was the Roman counterpart to the Greek Aphrodite. The goddess shared her love and wisdom among others. Due to her beautiful appearance and lady parts, the plant developed its name. The plant's flower resembles the female reproductive organ and the name comes from Venus.
MEDICINAL USES
The Venus flytrap has been proven to have anticancer properties and other properties to help reduce the chances of tumors. The juice pressed from the plant stimulates the immune system. The active ingredient within the juices that is responsible for this is a substance known as plumbagin.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth of planting: 6 inches / pot diameter 4-5 inches
Soil requirements: Nutrient-free, organic, sphagnum based with good drainage. A good mixture is peat moss and Pertile or sand, equal parts. NO fertilizers or enrichments.
pH level: 3.0-7.0
Sunlight requirements: Direct sunlight with a minimum of 4-6 hours a day. Can also grow with artificial lighting.
Water requirements: Water thoroughly so that root system is moistened. These plants also require a humid environment.
USDA ZONES
Venus flytraps are ideal to grow in zones 7-10
GROWTH INFORMATION:
Easy to grow
Average germination time is 14 to 24 hours
Annual plant, comes back during the spring
Overall planting size is 3-6 inches tall
First bloom appears 3-4 years until maturity
HARVESTING SEEDS
Wait until your Venus flytrap has flowered and there's pollen on the anthers
Move pollen from the anthers to stigma, with cotton swab or toothpick
Repeat process a couple times
Remove the seeds and plant them, it is that easy!
For more information about Venus flytraps and for the sources used for this page, visit the following websites:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/venus-flytrap-in-medicine-2252282
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Venus-Flytrap
Webpage created by Mount Aloysius College student, Katie Fasel