The first thing to note is that Venus Flytraps require lots of sunlight and humidity. They need about 12 hours of sun a day, or at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight if grown in the shade. The soil should be kept moist and not allowed to fully dry out. But what water you use is critical. Tap water contains too many salts and minerals, so your Venus Flytrap should only be fed distilled water or rainwater.
Nutrients & Soil
Venus Flytraps harvest all of their nutrients from the insects they prey upon. For this reason, their soil should lack any nutrients. The ideal soil for Venus Flytraps contains sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, and sand. Their soil should provide good drainage. Because these plants don’t get nutrients from their soil, it is vital that they are fed periodically to ensure they receive all of their proper nutrients. Although they can survive several months without consuming prey, they won’t grow and reproduce as effectively. Venus Flytraps consume a variety of insects, including crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, slugs, flies, and ants. If your plant is living outside, it can likely catch these snacks on its own. But if you are growing them indoors, it’s best to feed them yourself to ensure they are getting adequate nutrients. Venus Flytraps should only be fed bugs 1/3 the size of their trap. If the bug is too big, it won’t be able to digest it properly, and the trap will die. Your Venus Flytrap only needs to be fed once every two to four weeks. And by feeding one trap at a time, that’s enough nutrients to sustain the entire plant!
Dormancy
Venus Flytraps go through a period of dormancy in their native habitats. The plants should rest for about three months in order for them to reach their full lifespan. During dormancy, Venus Flytraps require a temperature between 32°F and 45°F. This would be very difficult to achieve in our mild winters here in Hawai’i, and some experts suggest even keeping your Venus Flytrap in the fridge during these months to achieve proper dormancy periods. You can skip the dormancy period if you’re unable to trigger dormancy in your plant, but it will significantly reduce your plant’s lifespan.