Did You Know?: The Plant That Eats Bugs, the Venus Fly Trap
Venus fly traps are fascinating plants. Because their living environments are nitrogen and phosphorus-deficient, they get their essential nutrients from insects. These plants are fascinating house guests and can be a conversation item in any room. Let’s take a deeper look into what they are, their history, and how to keep them healthy if you […]
Venus fly traps are fascinating plants. Because their living environments are nitrogen and phosphorus-deficient, they get their essential nutrients from insects. These plants are fascinating house guests and can be a conversation item in any room. Let’s take a deeper look into what they are, their history, and how to keep them healthy if you plan to have one as a houseplant. By the end of this post, you will have a greater understanding of these amazing plants.
WHAT ARE VENUS FLY TRAPS?
Venus fly traps are carnivorous plants that are native to the subtropical regions of the United States. The leaves of these plants are usually green with red or purple spots. The leaves of the plant are lined with small hairs called trigger hairs. They also emit nectar that mimics the fragrance of fruit or flower that bugs are attracted to. These trigger hairs are sensitive to touch and movement. When an insect or other small animal brushes against one of these trigger hairs, the plant will wait until it feels two to three movements before snapping shut. Effectively trapping the prey inside. Once the prey is inside the leaf, the leaf will secrete digestive enzymes that break down the prey’s tissues. The Venus fly trap then absorbs the nutrients from the prey.
THE HISTORY OF VENUS FLY TRAPS
The first recorded mention of Venus fly traps was by European explorers in the early 1600s. These explorers reported seeing these plants in what is now North Carolina. The indigenous people of the area told the explorers that the plants were called “fly traps” because they would trap flies and other small insects. The first scientific description of Venus fly traps was written by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Since then, there have been many studies conducted on these plants.
HOW DO I CARE FOR ONE AS A HOUSEPLANT?
The first step to taking care of a Venus fly trap is to choose the right pot. The pot should have a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. The pot should also be small enough so that the roots can easily fill it. Venus fly traps are smaller plants by nature. Next, you’ll need to fill the pot with the right soil. Venus fly traps do best in nutrient-poor, sandy soil. You can make your own by mixing three parts of sand with one part of peat moss.
Watering is an important part of taking care of a Venus fly trap. The plant needs to be kept moist but not wet. Water the plant with distilled or rainwater, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. The plant does best in bright, sunny places with good humidity.
Another important part of taking care of a Venus fly trap is feeding the plant. These carnivorous plants need to be fed insects to thrive. Small insects like flies or gnats are perfect. If you have a problem with pests and flies around your other house plants, however, this plant will be a great addition. Or you can feed them freeze-dried mealworms if you don’t want to deal with live insects.
CONCLUSION
Venus fly traps have a number of adaptations that allow them to thrive in their poor nutrient environments. With a little care, you can enjoy your Venus fly trap in your home for many years. These carnivorous plants make a fascinating addition to any space and are relatively easy to care for. Just be sure to provide the right pot, soil, water, and light, and don’t forget to feed your plant.