|
|
The leaves of the Venus Fly Trap have short, stiff hairs that are triggered when anything touches them enough to bend them. The leaves will shut and trap whatever is inside. Although the leaves will shut quickly when the trigger hairs are first stimulated, it takes a few minutes for the plant to shut tightly and form an airtight seal. The airtight seal will keep the plant’s digestive fluids inside and bacterial out.
The seal may be airtight, but don't worry—it's nowhere near strong enough to trap your finger or a pet!
If you feed a Venus Fly Trap something that doesn’t move like a dead insect, the plant won’t close tightly over it. You will need to squeeze the trap and move the food around so it imitates the action of a live insect.
Although hamburger meat is sometimes used to feed the Fly Traps, it may not be the best choice because the plant may get “indigestion” and start to rot. If you grow your plant outside in the summer, it will probably “catch” enough insects. If grown inside, a few houseflies or small slugs per month are enough during the growing season.
Caring for a Venus Fly Trap may be the start of a very interesting new hobby! Venus Fly Traps aren't always available in the floral department. Keep an eye out, and when you spot one, grab it up! You'll find Venus Fly Traps in plastic covered containers that are about 4 inches tall.
Published 06/29/07
|
|
If you are bored with the care of “regular” houseplants, you may want to consider getting a Venus Fly Trap. These unique plants are really and truly meat eaters because they get nutrients from insects. 
