Carnivorous Plants: Venus Fly Traps attract flying insects with nectarsteemCreated with Sketch.

in #gardening7 years ago (edited)

Venus Fly Traps are carnivorous plants.
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Meaning they receive most of their nutrients from feeding on insects.
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This also means they require a nutrient-less soil.
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These ones received a 50/50 peat moss and perlite mix. Also a little rock dust or silica rich sand to provide trace minerals to the plants. The soil is kept moist too avoid drying out.
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They enjoy bright areas with indirect sunlight. The areas where the flys hangout. :)
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Attracted by nectar, the fly will land on the jaws of the plant and the jaws will lock down on the fly.
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Once locked in the trap the fly is slowly digested. The trap will eventually turn black and can be removed to stimulate new growth.
Looks like something is inside of this one.
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An interesting and helpful plant to have around a garden or home. When it's hot, the flies here hang out right by the back door in the shade and wait for the door to open then shoot inside. These Venus fly traps are perfect for that area! It's bright and shaded and at night the plants can be brought inside to handle any intruders.
Have you had any experience with these plants before? And a question, how do they stay fed in the winter with no insects?