I recently received some Venus fly traps as a gift, but I'm totally lost on how to take care of them. They prefer direct sunlight, but the heat here in Texas is currently unbearable at 101 degrees. I'm worried that putting them outside might be too much. I do have a grow light, but I'm unsure if that will suffice since I don't have any windows that get direct sunlight in my duplex. What are your tips for keeping these plants healthy?
2 Answers
Honestly, Venus fly traps are pretty picky when it comes to their environment. They love hot, wet conditions and thrive in high humidity, which mimics their natural swamp habitat. If you keep it indoors, definitely use that grow light and keep the soil moist. Just remember to water with distilled or rainwater since tap water can harm them. They really do need a dormancy period too, so you might want to think ahead about where to put them when winter rolls around.
It really varies depending on where you are in Texas. If you’re in Houston, they might do well outdoors, especially if you have a terrarium to keep them humid. I keep mine in a closed terrarium in the heat, and they thrive on just sphagnum moss with no fertilizers. If you can find a way to maintain the right moisture levels, they should be fine! Just don’t forget to give them a break during the winter months.