Growing Venus flycatchers can be really difficult. But for those who have already mastered the basics of houseplant care, they present a fun challenge. If you already have one of these plants, you can take it a step further and try propagating it. This way, you can double or even triple your collection for free.
The Venus flytrap captures insects using its jaw-like traps
(Image credit: B. Christopher/Alamy Stock Photo)
3 Ways to Propagate Venus Flytrap
Experts share their top tips on how to make more of these interesting indoor plants.
These plants absorb nutrients from their prey
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How to propagate the Venus flytrap by division
Many established plants can be propagated by division. In the case of the Venus flytrap, you will need to separate its branches and repot it. This is the fastest and easiest way to earn more.
“For best success, you should try this method in the early spring to early summer months,” says houseplant expert Vladan Nikolic.
Heres how to do it:
- Remove the plant from its pot and carefully remove the soil from around the roots.
- Locate where two roots connect (thick, white, fleshy roots), Vladan says.
- Gently separate the roots, as Vladan instructs, then plant each section in a separate pot. Use a planting mix that is one part perlite and one part peat moss.
Perlite is available for purchase from Perfect Plants Nursery.
Vladan Nikolic, also known as Mr. Houseplant, is a houseplant expert with over 10 years of experience. He is the founder of the houseplant care blog MrHouseplant.com and is also an influencer who helps newcomers to the world of houseplants become great plant parents. Before moving to the United States, he ran the Venus Flytrap Company in Serbia where he propagated and sold thousands of flytraps. You can find him on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Venus flytrap can be divided by rhizomes
(Image credit: Nanao Wagatsuma/Moment/Getty Images)
How to propagate venus flytrap from leaf cuttings
Like many plants, flower fly traps can also be propagated by cuttings, and the process is relatively simple. However, you’ll need to be patient—”It may take several weeks to several months to see new growth,” Vladan says.
He shares his step-by-step tips on how to do it:
- Pull a few leaves from the plant. The leaves should have a white end – a piece of rhizome – attached.
- Plant the leaves in a mixture of sphagnum moss (or pure, unfertilized peat moss) and perlite in a 50:50 ratio. Make sure to cover the white end with soil and leave the leafy green part exposed.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap to promote high humidity.
- Keep the potting mixture moist at all times and provide it with bright, indirect light.
The moisture will help these plants grow
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How to propagate venus flytrap from seed
You can also grow Venus flytrap from seed. It’s easier to buy these seeds, but you can try harvesting them from seed seeds if your plant has produced them.
- Use either a seed tray or a 4-inch pot if you’re planting only a few seeds, says gardening expert Shawn Leid.
- Fill the container with pure, unfertilized peat moss mixed with perlite, Vladan says. The mixture should be completely moist, Sean says.
- Sean continues to sprinkle the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil. Do not bury them, but instead press them gently to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil.
- Shaun says the flytrap thrives in high humidity and temperatures between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing the seeds in a heated propagator will aid in the germination process.
- Sean continues to take about four to eight weeks to germinate. “When your plants grow several pots and are large enough to handle, transplant them into their individual pots,” he says. “As young plants grow, provide them with high humidity and gradually expose them to more direct sunlight.”
“The key here is patience,” says Tony O’Neill of Simplify Gardening. “It takes a few years for plants grown from seeds to reach maturity.”
Sean Lyde is Managing Director of Easy Garden Irrigation, an industry leader and BALI accredited. Sean has in-depth experience in horticulture and horticulture, with an emphasis on designing efficient irrigation systems. His solutions adorn gardens and nurseries across the UK, and embody an environmentally conscious approach to water use.
Growing a Venus flytrap from seed is a slow process
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common questions
How much light does a Venus flytrap need to deploy successfully?
The Venus flytrap needs bright light. “The more light you can provide, the greater the chances of successful propagation,” says houseplant expert Vladan Nikolic. However, exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, as this may damage young plants.
What mistakes should you avoid when propagating a Venus flytrap?
When watering your flytraps, it is necessary to use only rainwater, distilled or demineralized water, or reverse osmosis water, says houseplant expert Vladan Nikolic. “Do not use tap water, as it contains minerals that will slowly kill your plant.” It is also important to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this may lead to root rot.
Don’t be tempted to fertilize these plants either. “The Venus flytrap grows in nutrient-poor environments,” Vladan points out. Not only is fertilization unnecessary, he adds, it can also be harmful, because extra nutrients can burn roots and even kill plants.
Vladan also cautions against using regular potting soil, as synthetic fertilizers and mineral content can harm the Venus flytrap.
Finally, avoid triggering traps unnecessarily, advises gardening expert Tony O’Neill. “Playing with traps is tempting, but this can weaken plants if done excessively.”
Do you want to grow more tropical plants in your home? Pothos, spider plants and succulents can be propagated in just a few steps – and as low-maintenance houseplants, they make excellent gifts.
