The flowers of the Venus flytrap are often overshadowed by the fascinating trapping leaves. They are very decorative and provide seeds for propagation.
The flowers of venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) often do not enjoy much attention, most of them know nothing at all about the beauty of the flower. We explain the optical advantages of the flowers and explain why they are important for the reproduction of the Venus flytrap.
contents
- Venus flytrap flowers: appearance and timing of flowering
- Cutting off Venus flytrap flowers?
- Harvest Venus Flytrap Seeds
- Propagating Venus flytrap and growing from seeds
Venus flytrap flowers: appearance and timing of flowering
The flowers are only of secondary importance for many owners of a Venus flytrap, but they can certainly provide a high ornamental value. The hermaphrodite (male and female flower organs combined in one flower) flowers unfold at the top of the flower stalks, which are usually over 30 cm long, and bloom in the colors green and white. The diameter of the flowers is between two and three centimetres, which is an impressive size compared to the other parts of the plant. The long flower stalks create a protective distance between leaf traps and flowers, which many life of a pollinating insect by preventing it from being accidentally caught by the Venus flytrap can.
The flowering time of the Venus flytrap is between the end of March and April. When the flower fades after some time, the seeds have matured and are ready for harvest.
Cutting off Venus flytrap flowers?
On the one hand, the flower of the Venus flytrap is very beautiful to look at, but like every generative organ of a plant, it consumes a lot of energy. This could be at the expense of your Venus flytrap's leaf traps, which may have to lose size as a result. If you don't want to miss out on the flowering splendor of your Venus flytrap, we recommend keeping at least two plants. Prune one in the early stages of flower stalk development so that numerous, strong snap traps can develop. You can use the second for propagation purposes by simply maintaining the flower.
Harvest Venus Flytrap Seeds
When the flowers have dried up, it is usually time for the seeds to ripen. To harvest your Venus flytrap seeds, you can either cut off the flower stalks or wait for the seeds to fall out naturally. When removing the flowers, simply gently tap the seeds out into a bowl or on a plate. If you choose the second option, simply place a bowl under the dried flower and wait for the seeds to fall out. Alternatively, you can also tie a bag over the flower to catch the seeds.
Notice: It is important that the seeds are stored in a dark and dry place immediately after harvest so that they retain their germination capacity. Since the seeds ripen in autumn and the optimal time for sowing is in spring, it is unfortunately not possible to sow directly and the seeds have to be stored over the winter.
Propagating Venus flytrap and growing from seeds
There are two ways to propagate your Venus Flytrap. On the one hand you can raise offspring from seeds in the classic way, on the other hand there is the possibility of division. Detailed instructions for both methods can be found in our special article on Propagating the Venus Flytrap.
If you want more Care of the Venus Flytrap want to find out, you will definitely find what you are looking for in our special article.
