Tips, Tricks, Lessons-Learned, and so much more
I have a weird story about these Growing Venus Fly Trap Seedlings. It all started with a plastic cup of dirt sitting on our sunny windowsill because Arya asked, “Mom, can we grow a plant that eats bugs?” And honestly? I didn’t know if it would work, but we gave it a try anyway.
Markos laughed and said “If this thing actually grows, I’ll name it Bitey,” so we waited and checked every morning like it was Christmas.
Tiny green sprouts popped up one day and I almost cried which is silly, I know but it felt like a little magic happened right there in our kitchen.
The traps were so small and shy, I remember whispering to Leo “Don’t scare them they’re just waking up” even though I know that’s not how plants work.
We didn’t get it perfect not even close. I used the wrong water once and nearly panicked when the leaves drooped.
But here’s the thing those baby fly traps taught us patience and wonder and how exciting it is to see something tiny try its best to grow
Have you ever grown a Venus fly trap from seed? If not, you’re totally in the right place because today I’m sharing everything we learned the hard way from the soil to the sunlight to the tiny wins that made it all worth it.
If you love Seed topics, check my From Seed to Snack: Calabaza Seeds.
What Do Venus Fly Trap Seedlings Look Like?
Venus fly trap seedlings are very small and cute. They look like tiny green sprouts with baby trap leaves. These baby traps are not ready to catch flies yet, they’re too small! At first, they look like green threads with little bumps. After a few weeks, you’ll see tiny traps form that look like mini versions of the grown-up plant.
Each seedling grows slowly. The traps are about the size of a grain of rice when they first appear. They may be green or a little reddish in the middle. The color gets stronger as they grow.
How to Care for Venus Fly Trap Seedlings?
Taking care of Venus fly trap seedlings is simple if you follow a few easy steps.
1. Use the Right Soil
Use only special soil made for carnivorous plants. A good mix is 50% peat moss and 50% perlite. Don’t use regular garden soil. It will hurt the plant.
2. Keep Them Moist
Seedlings like to be in damp soil all the time. Use rainwater. Never use tap water, it has stuff that can hurt the plant.
3. Give Them Light
Put them in a bright sunny window or under a grow light. They need 12 to 14 hours of light every day.
4. Keep Them Warm
They like warm temperatures, around 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). If it’s too cold, they won’t grow well.
5. Don’t Feed Them Yet
Baby seedlings don’t need bugs until they grow bigger. For now, just let them grow.
What to Give Venus Fly Trap Seedlings?
Venus fly trap seedlings don’t need a lot at first, but here’s what helps them grow:
- Good light: Sunlight or a plant light.
- Clean water: Only use distilled or rainwater.
- Proper soil: Carnivorous plant mix only.
- Humidity: A plastic cover or humid place helps.
- Patience: They grow slowly, so don’t worry!
When they’re big enough, they can eat tiny bugs like fruit flies or gnats. But only feed them bugs if the traps are big and strong.
When Do the Traps Start Working?
Tiny traps start forming after a few weeks. At first, they won’t move much or catch anything. After about 1 to 2 months, the traps might start to close slowly. By 6 months to 1 year, they work better. Still, don’t overfeed them. One tiny bug every couple of weeks is enough.
Some Tips!
- Label your seedlings with the planting date.
- Use a plastic lid to keep moisture in.
- Keep seedlings in a tray with water under the pot.
- Don’t touch the traps too much, they use energy every time they close.
- Be patient, these plants grow slowly, but they’re worth it!
Notes for Parents!
Venus fly traps are fun for kids to watch and care for. Growing them from seeds takes time, but it’s a cool science project. Watching baby plants grow is exciting, especially when they start catching bugs! Help your child with watering and light, and they’ll love watching their fly trap grow up.
FAQ
What soil do Venus fly trap seedlings need?
Use a mix of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite, (no garden soil).
Can I water them with tap water?
No. Only use distilled water.
Do Venus fly trap seedlings eat bugs?
Not at first. They don’t need bugs until they’re bigger.
How long before the traps work?
Tiny traps might work after 1-2 months. Full traps take longer.
How big do Venus fly trap seedlings get?
They stay small at first, about the size of a coin, for a few months.
Can I put them outside?
Only if it’s warm. They don’t like cold weather.
What color should the seedlings be?
Green with a bit of red in the middle is normal.
Why are my seedlings not growing?
Maybe not enough light, wrong soil, or bad water. Check those things first.
How can I help them grow faster?
Give them more light and make sure they have clean water.
Should I cover the pot?
Yes.
