Insectivorous Plants Venus Fly Trap 'Big Mouth'

The leaves of ‘Big Mouth’ have a bright green reverse and contrasting red inner. A spectacular combination. The leaves are larger than most Venus Fly Traps, up to 5cm long. They cluster tightly on short stems.

The depth of the red on the foliage will vary according to light. The less light the paler the colour. Adjust the light balance by moving your pot around the house to get it just right.

The leaves of this fascinating plant have developed into two sections that can open and close forming a trap for insects. The leaves are lined with small hairs that trigger the leaves to shut when they have been touched more than once. This is so a passing touch or raindrop won’t waste the plants energy. If they are touched more than once, they will shut. If they close and there is an insect inside, the movement will cause the leaves to hold tight and begin to produce enzymes to kill and digest the insect. As the insect breaks down, the plant gains nutrients.

If the foliage or trap closes and there is no struggling insect inside the leaves will gradually reopen in a few hours. There is a limit to how many times the plant can do this as it uses a lot of energy.

Venus Fly Traps originate in poor soils. For this reason they developed the ability to capture insects to supplement the nutrients that were lacking in the soil. So when grown in our nutrient rich potting mix they don’t need to be fed a lot in order to prosper. If you over feed your trap they will grow too quickly and become weak. Feed it insects if indoors, one or two per month (flies, small slugs, mosquitoes etc.). Outdoors it should catch it’s own. Do not use plant fertilisers or try to feed other foods or objects.

Grow Venus Fly Trap ‘Big Mouth’ in moist soil, preferably with an acid PH, you can buy specific mixes or make your own. They originate in open forested areas of North America so a bright light to semi shade position is ideal. They are suitable as house plants, add a saucer of water underneath your pot in the warmer months so they do not dry out. Ideally they like a humid environment so a terrarium is perfect though they will grow as house plants.

Supplied as: Pots