Description
The Venus flytrap is a very interesting plant. It is interesting both for its structure and for the fact that it is a predatory plant. A predatory plant does not mean that it eats meat, but that in addition to the soil, it also feeds on insects.
The plant attracts insects by releasing various pheromones that are not very pleasant to the human sense of smell. Once they land on the plant, the insects are grabbed by it.
The origin of this interesting plant is from the United States of America, or more precisely from North and South Carolina (in the eastern part of the United States). The plant is not very tall, which makes it suitable for growing in our homes, except for the occasional bad smell. It is rarely used for landscaping winter gardens and interior landscaping, and is rarely propagated by flower seeds.
It can reach a height of about 20cm. The plant flowers, but the flowers are not what contribute to its decorative effect. The flowers appear in the summer on long stalks.
The species is demanding on light. It requires abundant light - direct sun. Minimum 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and the more - the healthier the plant will be. This allows the plant to be placed near windows and it will be even better if it is taken out to terraces and balconies. A place for the plant must be found so that direct sunlight reaches it. It is extremely important not to water it with tap water, because it contains too many minerals that will kill the plant. It should be watered only with rainwater or distilled water with values below 50 PPM (parts per million).
The plant REQUIRES a period of hibernation, which means that the temperature MUST be below 12 and above 0 degrees between October and March-April.
The Venus flytrap does not grow well in dry air. It requires high humidity, which is achieved during the hot summer months by misting the plant. Misting involves wetting the plant with water, which increases the humidity around it.
Watering should be regular and abundant, but care should be taken not to overwater. It can be placed in a container with 1-2 cm. of water instead of watering from above. It is important that the soil is not soggy, nor dry, but moist. Overwatering leads to water retention around the roots and their rotting. Rotting, in turn, leads to a deterioration in the decorative effect of the species, and sometimes to its death.
The soil on which the plant develops best is composed of peat, leaf litter and sand. Leaf litter can also be used in the garden. Fertilization is not necessary for this species. From time to time, dead insects can be placed on the plant, which will stimulate its development. Propagation of this species is very difficult. It is carried out during the spring months with seeds, which you must have collected in advance after the species has bloomed. The seeds are placed in moist sand, making sure that the sand does not dry out. After germination, the seeds are planted in soil for further cultivation. This species is relatively well-known in our country and can be found on the market. Each of you deserves to have it in your home.
