How To Rescue a Venus Flytrap and Keep It Alive (plus repotting tips)

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to rescue and care for Venus flytraps, often sold in poor conditions at big box stores. The process begins by removing the plant from its inadequate enclosure and repotting it with the right soil and pure water. The video emphasizes the importance of proper sunlight, careful watering, and avoiding stress to the plant during its adjustment period. Additional tips include avoiding fertilization, not manually feeding the plant, and taking pictures to track progress. The tutorial helps viewers understand how to revive and nurture their Venus flytraps into healthy, thriving plants.

Takeaways

• 😀 Venus flytraps sold in stores are often unhealthy due to poor growing conditions.
• 😀 The first step to rescuing a Venus flytrap is to remove it from its enclosure, as it doesn't provide significant benefits.
• 😀 Repotting the plant is crucial for its recovery. Choose a tall pot with carnivorous plant soil (peat moss and perlite).
• 😀 Never use standard potting soil, as it contains minerals and fertilizers that can harm Venus flytraps.
• 😀 Use distilled, reverse osmosis, or rainwater only to water your Venus flytrap—avoid tap or bottled water.
• 😀 When repotting, gently remove the plant from its original pot by loosening the soil and carefully separating the plant and roots.
• 😀 Trim any black or dead leaves from the plant to help it focus on new growth.
• 😀 Leaf pullings (propagating by removing leaves) can be done while repotting to grow new plants.
• 😀 After repotting, water the plant thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but never waterlogged.
• 😀 Gradually introduce your plant to sunlight, starting with a few hours per day and increasing exposure as it adjusts.
• 😀 During the first few weeks, avoid feeding the plant manually and ensure it's not stressed by children or pets.
• 😀 Track the plant’s recovery progress by taking photos to compare its condition over time and gauge improvements in growth.

Q & A

Why do Venus flytraps often die after being sold at stores?

Venus flytraps often die after being sold at stores because they are kept in poor growing conditions, including being in enclosures that don't provide enough benefit and unsuitable soil and water conditions.

What is the first step to rescue a Venus flytrap?

The first step to rescue a Venus flytrap is to remove it from the enclosure it came in. These enclosures are not ideal for the plant's growth and should be discarded.

Can I repot my Venus flytrap right away, or should I wait?

If you don't have the necessary ingredients to repot right away, it's okay to keep the plant in its small pot for a few days or weeks, as long as you water it regularly.

What soil should I use when repotting a Venus flytrap?

You should use carnivorous plant soil, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Avoid using standard potting soil, as it contains minerals and fertilizers that can harm the plant.

Why is it important to use distilled water for Venus flytraps?

Distilled water is important for Venus flytraps because tap water and bottled water contain minerals that can harm the plant. Using distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water is recommended to avoid plant damage.

How do you properly remove a Venus flytrap from its pot without damaging the roots?

To remove a Venus flytrap from its pot, gently loosen the soil by pressing on the sides and making small holes with a pencil or your fingers. The roots grow vertically, so they are less likely to be harmed during this process.

What should I do with the soil after removing the Venus flytrap?

It's recommended to discard the old soil, especially if it's compacted or not suitable for the plant's needs. Repotting in fresh carnivorous plant soil will help the Venus flytrap thrive.

Should I trim the leaves when repotting my Venus flytrap?

Yes, trimming any black or damaged leaves is beneficial when repotting, as it helps the plant focus its energy on new, healthy growth. This is easier to do when the plant is bare-root.

How do you ensure the Venus flytrap is properly anchored in the new pot?

After placing the roots into the hole in the new soil, gently press the surrounding soil around the plant to anchor it firmly in place, making sure the plant is secure without being buried too deep.

What care should be given to the Venus flytrap after repotting?

After repotting, it's important to water the plant with distilled water, keep the soil moist (but not soggy), and gradually introduce it to sunlight. Avoid fertilizing or feeding the plant manually during this recovery period.

How can I tell if my Venus flytrap is recovering after repotting?

Signs of recovery include new growth, larger traps, and vibrant color. It may look droopy or sad in the first few weeks, but don't worry—this is normal as long as you're providing proper care.

Is it safe to feed my Venus flytrap right after repotting?

No, you should avoid feeding your Venus flytrap immediately after repotting. Allow the plant to recover and focus on root establishment before triggering the traps with insects.

How can I track the progress of my Venus flytrap's recovery?

A good way to track progress is by taking a photo of the plant right after repotting and comparing it to future photos. This helps you visually assess the plant's health and new growth.