- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Direct Light)
- Above Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 6-12 inches
- Pet Safe
Perhaps the most well-known carnivorous plant is the Venus fly trap, or Dionaea muscipula as it is botanically called. An evergreen carnivorous plant native to North America, it uses sweet nectar to attract insects that trigger its bright green and toothed traps to close. Unable to escape, the insects are dissolved by digestive enzymes that feed the plant and subsequently re-open to catch more prey. Although not the easiest houseplant to grow, with the right care and conditions it can thrive.
Best Locations For Growing Venus Fly Trap
The Venus Fly Trap can be grown in any room as long it receives enough sunlight and moderate levels of humidity. Being such an unusual plant, you’ll want to grow it somewhere you can appreciate it.
Venus Fly Trap Plant Sunlight Requirements
When growing the Venus Fly Trap indoors, it needs to receive as much direct light as possible; near a south-facing window is ideal.
Venus Fly Trap Care
As it matures, the Venus Fly Trap Plant will need repotting every year or two. When repotting, an ericaceous low-nutrient growing medium is advisable, a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite is ideal. This plant prefers a temperature range of 70° - 95° during the growing season, from spring until fall. During the winter, colder temperatures are required to encourage the plant to enter its dormancy; an unheated but frost-free garage is ideal.
Watering Venus Fly Trap
The Venus Fly Trap requires consistently moist soil to thrive, so much so that it can be left in a saucer of water if you are going away for a few days. However, during the winter, watering can be reduced. Harvested rainwater or distilled water at room temperature is advisable as these carnivorous plants cannot tolerate the chlorine levels of tap water.
Feeding Venus Fly Trap
If grown outdoors in its natural habitat, the Venus Fly Trap does not need to be fed as it will catch its own prey. However, when grown indoors, insects will need to be provided periodically during the growing season. A house plant fertilizer is not recommended as the Venus Fly Trap prefers a low-nutrient soil.
Venus Fly Trap Plant Information
Light Exposure: Bright Direct Light |
Care Requirements: Easy |
Watering Requirements: Above Average - Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
Pet Friendly: Yes |
Kid Friendly: Yes |
Air Purifier: Moderate |
Habit: Upright |
Growth Rate: Slow |
Mature Height: 6-12 inches |
Mature Spread: 6-8 inches |
Flowering: No |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
Fragrant: |
Foliage Type: |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
Foliage Description: Green and Reddish |
Temperature: 70° - 95°F (21° - 35°C) |
Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
Common Name: Venus Fly Trap Plant |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Dionaea muscipula |
Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Carnivorous_Venus.Fly.Trap-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.