Native to North and South Carolina, Venus flytraps thrive with plenty of heat, sunlight, and water. Because their roots are used to growing in bogs—a type of wetland—this plant will need to be continually damp.

Venus flytraps are known for capturing insects and bugs. They do best when grown outside, although it is possible to grow indoors if you can create the right conditions. You can purchase Venus flytraps from most nurseries, garden centers, and online plant shops. 

Sunlight

These plants need lots of sunlight and heat to thrive, and the more they receive, the faster they grow. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight is necessary, and according to Palomares, they do best if they have 10 to 12 hours of sunlight per day. 

If you're growing your Venus flytrap indoors, place it next to a sunny window or supplement it with a grow light. "Grow lights are not as intense as the real thing, so if this is your only option, leave the light on for 12 to 16 hours per day," Pangborn recommends. Moving your Venus flytrap outside during the summer is best to soak up that bright sun.

How do I water a Venus Fly Trap?

Never water a Venus Fly Trap from above. Watering these plants from above can leave them vulnerable to leaf disease. The ideal way to water a Venus Fly Trap is to put about an inch of water in the plant’s saucer. The moss and bark will absorb water and make it available to the plant. Keep the plant moist but not soggy.

What To Feed Venus Fly Traps

Overfeeding will make your flytrap sick. So will raw meat. Many people trap bugs and capture insects, mealworms, flies, or gnats. Whatever you feed your flytrap shouldn’t be more than a third of the size of the trap. The prey has to be alive, or the plant will not close on it. You do not need to fertilize the Venus flytrap. The insects supply all the nutrients it needs. Only feed your flytrap one to two live insects per month.

Buy the Venus Fly Trap here.