Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula; Venus flytrap)

This small, novelty houseplant can catch and digest flies and other insects, but does not need them to survive. The hinged traps naps shut when an unsuspecting insect touches the sensitive hair inside. Digestive juices secreted by the plant finish off the victim, and the rap is set again. Cut off the small flowers that appear in June on tall stems, as they weaken the plant.

Light

Venus flytrap grows in sun in its native Carolinas. Full sun bring out the red coloring inside the leaf traps; if grown mostly in shade, they will be green only.

Water

Never let this plant lack moisture; water every other day. Flytrap prefers high humidity.

Special Helps

This is one plant that doesn’t need drainage. It grows along the edges of moist sandy bottom land in its natural habitat. In the home, use a wide shallow container without drainage and plant the specimen-not too firmly-in loose, live sphagnum moss. When watering, fill the sallow container with water to wet the moss thoroughly, then pour off excess water. Never fertilize the Venus flytrap.

Propagate by root division. Plants do die naturally as they mature, but new ones will normally take the parent’s place. An improper environment-shade, poor potting medium, or air that is too dry-will stunt the flytrap’s growth.

Source : Growing Houseplants