You’ve just bought a Venus flytrap. Congratulations! A Venus flytrap is a very special plant. But before you take the plunge into the important task of proper watering, it’s important to know a few basic facts about your new plant friend.

There is only one species of Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) in existence, and it is the only carnivorous terrestrial plant that uses a “snap trap” to capture its prey. However, horticulturalists have propagated a wide variety of colors and sizes for this plant. These are called cultivars.

The Venus flytrap is native to the boggy coastal regions of North and South Carolina. Unfortunately, it is thought to be extinct in some counties within those states.

Venus flytraps can live as houseplants for up to 30 years if given proper care. And, although there are many different cultivars, all Venus flytraps require the same care regimen – that is, the correct types of soil and light, and the right amount of watering.

So, if you’re wondering about the amount of water that you should give your Venus flytrap, the following information will help you keep your plant appropriately hydrated.

How Much Water Does A Venus Flytrap Need?

As with most things in life, moderation is key. Of course, you don’t want the plant to go completely thirsty, but you don’t want to drown it, either. Try to control the condition of the soil so it remains consistently moist, but not drenched.

A watering system that’s easy to maintain is to set the plant in a plastic dish or tray and then to fill the dish or tray with water up to a depth of one-half to one inch. A tray with drainage holes is preferable, in case you forget to dump out the excess water.

Start with one-half inch and add a little more if all of the water is absorbed quickly by the plant. Do not allow the water in the dish to go completely dry.

Another way you can gauge the amount of water that your plant gets is to fill its tray to a depth of about two-fifths of the way up the sides of the pot. In that way, the roots will be able to get sufficient water, but the upper part of the plant will not be submerged.

This is a good way to water your plant if you are going away on vacation for a day or two.

Note: Venus flytraps should be given only three types of water: distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Never give a Venus flytrap mineral or tap water, which contain too many salts and minerals. Your flytrap will not be able to handle them because the water in its native environment is low in minerals.

Why Is It Important To Water Your Venus Flytrap?

Water is a necessary commodity for plants in many ways. It carries nutrients present in the soil to all parts of the plant. This process is called translocation.

It also supports the plant’s stem and leaf structure, allowing it to stand upright and not droop.

It regulates the plant’s temperature through a process called transpiration (like breathing or sweating).

And it provides the hydrogen necessary for photosynthesis. Dry roots can quickly lead to death for this plant.

Can You Overwater A Venus Flytrap?

It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Soggy soil is one of the main causes of plant death because it causes root rot. But the good news is that if you learn to water your venus flytrap correctly, you can keep your Venus flytrap healthy for many years.

Grab Yourself A Venus Flytrap

JoelsCarnivorousPlants sells a large venus flytrap plant that is ready to go and is perfect if you don’t fancy growing your own venus flytrap. This venus flytrap is one of our favourite fully-grown venus flytraps available on the market.

Factors That Affect How Much To Water A Venus Flytrap 

Below we will discuss the factors that affect how much to water a venus flytrap.

Size Of The Plant

How much water does a Venus flytrap need if it is small, medium, or large? The answer is simple: As much as it needs.

Most Venus flytraps are relatively small, on average about 5 inches across. But, big or little, they all have one thing in common: They do not like to be overwatered or underwatered. By keeping an eye on the soil rather than on the size of the plant, you’ll easily be able to regulate watering amounts.

Of course, the bigger the plant, the more water it will require, relatively speaking. But since its container will also most likely be bigger, by filling its tray or dish up to a consistent depth, you will still be giving it that extra amount of water.

There’s really no scientific way to judge this; just feel the soil and make sure it is damp but not soggy most of the time.

Season & Dormancy

Another question you may have is, “How much water does a Venus flytrap need during different seasons, including dormancy?”

During spring, summer, and fall, keep your Venus flytrap watered regularly (daily if necessary) so that its soil is always damp. However, in winter, it will enter a phase called “dormancy,” when its natural rhythms are meant to slow down due to cooler weather.

At that time, you should water only two to three times per month, allowing the soil to become almost dry. This will allow your plant to get the well-deserved annual rest it is accustomed to in its natural environment.

Humidity

How much water does a Venus flytrap need when being raised in a humid or dry climate?

Venus flytraps can survive in dry climates. Monitor them closely for water evaporation, though, and replenish their water as often as needed.

In humid locations where evening temperatures do not dip below about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, Venus flytraps can do well outside throughout the year. Be on the lookout for water that has not evaporated, however.

If you live somewhere in the tropics, providing a cool environment for a dormant period can be a challenge. This is easily remedied by giving your flytrap a refrigerator vacation during the winter.

Begin with fairly dry soil (be sure to squeeze the excess out if necessary), place the plant in a zippable bag, and zip it up. Place it in the refrigerator and water it only every few weeks if the soil begins to get too dry. Don’t forget to take it out again in the spring!

Indoor Or Outdoor Setting

Venus flytraps can adapt to either indoor or outdoor environments. If your plant lives outdoors in a hot or dry climate, allow it to get only about four to six hours of morning sunshine, and minimize heat absorption by wrapping its pot in foil. White pots will reflect light well.

Conclusion: How Much Water Does A Venus flytrap Need?

Your Venus flytrap will thrive if you set its pot in a dish or tray with drainage holes, and fill the tray with only a one-third to one-inch depth of water (one-half inch is about the norm).

Allow the water to be absorbed by the plant, and add water as needed to maintain consistently moist soil.

Don’t let the pot sit in a tray of unabsorbed water for very long. Let the soil become drier during the winter months.

By following these watering tips, you will be helping your Venus flytrap to flourish as a houseplant.

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