Venus Fly Traps are one of the most iconic and captivating plants in the world. With an ability to capture and digest insects, snapping their ‘teethy’ traps shut around buzzing insects, fascinating people for centuries.
Traps perch on the end of the leaves of this houseplant, closing shut when hair-like sensors are triggered by unsuspecting prey. Once the jaws shut, there’s no escape! Learn all about Venus Fly Traps and their intriguing behaviour below, then try growing one yourself.
Here are some fascinating facts for you to learn and remember:
Popular Houseplant
One of our favourite features of a Venus Fly Trap is an ability to survive and thrive inside the home, so we can watch its activities up close and personally – not too close though of course! Venus Fly Traps are sold as houseplants and are often a child’s first introduction to the wonderful world of gardening, due to their carnivorous ways.
Southern Charm
Despite being sold across the globe these days, Venus Fly Traps are actually native to the coastal plains of North and South Carolina, where they thrive in the nutrient-poor wetlands.
How They Trick Insects
Insects are attracted to the plant due to the release of a sweet scent that mimics those emitted by fruits and flowers. The lobes of each trap secrete a sweet mucous, acting as an attractant, along with a red colouring that intensifies under the summer sun – many insects will think it’s a flower!
Know Before You Grow! Always try to give Fly Traps rain water rather than tap water
Clever Snapping Trap
The trap is triggered by sensitive cilia, or hairs, on the inner surface of the lobes. When an insect touches these hairs twice within a short period, the trap snaps shut. As two hairs are needed to be touched, this avoids the trap from being falsely triggered by rain or falling debris.
Selective Eater
Like many children gathered around the dinner table, Venus Fly Traps can actually be picky eaters – yes, really! They are more likely to capture insects that are small, alive, and struggling. The plant will trap prey that it can digest effectively.
Digestion
Once prey is trapped, the plant secretes enzymes that break down the soft tissue of the insect. The plant then absorbs the nutrients to supplement its diet.
They Don’t Live Forever!
Once closed, traps take 5 to 12 days to reopen after the prey has been digested and will only work a couple of times before they become unusable and die away – so do not be tempted to closed them yourself as this will weaken the plant.
Sensitive Plant
If growing a Venus Fly Trap for yourself, be aware they can be sensitive to changes in light, temperature, and humidity. Keep these consistent throughout the year when growing inside.
Conservation Concern
Due to habitat loss and illegal collection, Venus Fly Traps are considered a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them.
Television Stardom
A Venus Fly Trap took centre stage in the eagerly anticipated 2023 John Lewis Christmas advert, featuring the singing ‘Snapper’.
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