Once seen as a quirky novelty, the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is making a major comeback in the houseplant world. With the rise of rare and unusual plant collecting, houseplant lovers are turning to carnivorous plants for their striking appearance, unique feeding habits, and fascinating biology. But are they just a trend, or are they here to stay?
This plant’s mystique isn’t new—in fact, my coworker and his brother had one growing up and were so fascinated by it that they even tried to feed it lunch meat (which, for the record, is not recommended!). Like many kids (and adults!), they were captivated by the interactive nature of this plant, proving that Venus Flytraps have always been irresistibly cool.
So, what’s behind their resurgence? Let’s dive into Venus Flytrap care, the rise of carnivorous plants in popularity, and why they’re becoming the must-have houseplant once again.
The Fascination with Carnivorous Plants
Venus Flytraps aren’t the only carnivorous plants getting attention. Other species like Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia & Nepenthes), Sundews (Drosera), and Butterworts (Pinguicula) are also growing in popularity. What makes these plants so interesting?
Image: @pixiegardenmum
• They Eat Bugs! Unlike typical houseplants, carnivorous plants trap and digest insects to get the nutrients they lack in their native, nutrient-poor soils.
• They Look Alien-Like – With their jaw-like traps, sticky tentacles, and tube-like pitchers, they don’t resemble your average houseplant.
• They’re Interactive – Unlike a Monstera or Pothos, Venus Flytraps actually move, snapping shut when triggered by unsuspecting prey.
Carnivorous plants bring a science-meets-nature appeal, making them popular among houseplant collectors, hobbyists, and even kids fascinated by their unusual nature.
Where Do Venus Flytraps Come From?
Despite their global popularity, Venus Flytraps are native to only one small region in the world—the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina. These nutrient-poor, acidic wetlands forced the plant to adapt, evolving its carnivorous nature to absorb nutrients from insects rather than soil.
This unique adaptation fascinated Charles Darwin, who called the Venus Flytrap “one of the most wonderful plants in the world” in his 1875 book Insectivorous Plants. Darwin conducted extensive experiments on their traps, helping to establish their scientific significance and furthering the study of plant behavior.
How to Care for a Venus Flytrap
Despite their exotic reputation, Venus Flytraps aren’t difficult to care for—but they do have some very specific needs. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Bright, Direct Sunlight
Venus Flytraps need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, but ideally 10-12 hours. If you don’t have a sunny window, a full-spectrum grow light like the Aspect™ Pendant Grow Light can help keep them thriving indoors. If your Venus Flytrap is on shelving or inside a greenhouse cabinet, the Grove™ Bar Light is a great space-saving option, providing the perfect balance of light for healthy growth.
2. The Right Water
These plants hate tap water because of the minerals and chemicals it contains. Always use:
✔ Distilled water
✔ Rainwater
✔ Reverse osmosis (RO) water
Keeping the soil moist but not soggy is key. They do well in a tray of shallow water, mimicking their native bog environment.
3. Nutrient-Poor Soil
Venus Flytraps need nutrient-poor, well-draining soil. Use:
✔ 50/50 sphagnum peat moss and perlite
✔ No fertilizer! Adding nutrients will actually harm them.
4. Humidity & Temperature
They prefer high humidity levels (50-70%) and warm temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the growing season (spring through early fall). Maintaining consistent humidity is essential, as dry air can cause their traps to lose function and shrink. If your home is on the drier side, consider using a humidity tray, misting occasionally, or placing your Venus Flytrap in a greenhouse cabinet to help retain moisture. In cooler temperatures, their growth slows, and they begin preparing for dormancy.
5. Dormancy in Winter
Venus Flytraps go dormant in winter (November to February), turning black and appearing dead—but don’t panic! Simply:
✔ Reduce watering
✔ Keep them in a cool spot (around 35-50°F / 1-10°C)
✔ Let them rest until spring
Image: @california_carnivores
Why Are Venus Flytraps Trending Again?
The resurgence of carnivorous plants—especially Venus Flytraps—can be attributed to several factors:
✔ The Houseplant Boom – As more people expand their collections beyond basic plants, unique varieties like carnivorous plants are gaining attention.
✔ Social Media Hype – TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are fueling interest in interactive, unusual plants.
✔ Sustainability & Pest Control – Some people buy them as a natural way to control fruit flies and gnats indoors.
✔ STEM & Education – They’re fun for kids, science lovers, and anyone fascinated by plants with unique survival mechanisms.
Venus Flytraps are no longer just a childhood science project—they’re becoming a serious collector’s plant.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?
If you love unique, interactive, and easy-to-care-for plants, a Venus Flytrap might be the perfect addition to your collection. They offer science, beauty, and a little bit of drama, making them a fascinating houseplant.
With the right care—sunlight, distilled water, and the proper soil—they can thrive indoors and continue their insect-snacking ways for years to come. And with their growing popularity, now might be the perfect time to grab one before they become the next big houseplant trend!
