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How Do I Feed My Venus Flytrap?

Published in Venus Flytraps 3 mins read

To feed your Venus flytrap, give it small, soft insects or rehydrated bloodworms about ⅓ the size of the trap. Gently massage the trap's lobes to simulate live prey and trigger digestion.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Preparing the Food

Venus flytraps ( Dionaea muscipula) primarily eat insects, but can also be fed other sources of protein. It is important to prepare the food properly so that the plant can successfully digest it.

  • Suitable Food Sources:

    • Small live insects: Fruit flies, small crickets, or gnats are ideal.
    • Rehydrated freeze-dried bloodworms: A good alternative if live insects are unavailable.

  • Preparing Bloodworms:

    1. Place a few dried bloodworms in a small container.
    2. Add a few drops of water to soften them.
    3. Allow them to rehydrate and become soft and meaty.
    4. Before feeding, gently squeeze out excess water.

Feeding Procedure

This part of the process is crucial for triggering the trap's closure and digestion.

  • Portion Size: The food portion should be about ⅓ the size of the trap. Overfeeding can cause the trap to rot.

  • Placement: Carefully place the prepared food inside one of the traps using tweezers or a similar tool.

  • Triggering Digestion: Venus flytraps require multiple trigger hairs to be activated for the trap to seal completely and begin digestion. You need to stimulate these hairs:

    1. Gently massage the outside of the trap for about 15-30 seconds. This mimics the movement of live prey and encourages the trap to close tightly.
    2. If the trap doesn't close completely, it may reopen within 12-24 hours, indicating insufficient stimulation.

Important Considerations

  • Frequency: Feed each trap only once every 1-2 weeks. Avoid feeding every trap on the plant; a few fed traps are sufficient.
  • Dormancy: During dormancy (typically in the winter months), Venus flytraps do not need to be fed.
  • Sunlight and Water: Ensure your Venus flytrap receives adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and is watered with distilled or rainwater only. Tap water contains minerals that can be harmful to the plant.
  • No Fertilizer: Venus flytraps obtain their nutrients from the insects they consume and do not require fertilizer.

By following these steps, you can ensure your Venus flytrap receives the necessary nutrients to thrive.

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