Dionaea muscipula
Venus flytrap
An evergreen, insectivorous perennial with rosettes of leaves spreading to 30cm wide. Each rosette comprises 6 or more leaves with a flat green stalk ending in a hinged trap to 2cm across. This trap is often flushed pink or red inside and edged with stiff bristles that interlock when the trap closes. In summer, clusters of tiny, white flowers are borne above the leaves
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Pink Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Pink Red | |||
| Winter | Green Pink Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Droseraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Dionaea are a genus of carniverous plants known commonly as Venus Flytrap. They catch insects and arachnids as prey via tiny hairs situated on the inner surface of their leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in full light with shelter from hot sun in a humid atmosphere. Use an acidic potting medium mixed with moss and keep moist. See Dionaea and carnivorous plant cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.