F
flytrapmom
Guest
My 6 year old just brought a venus flytrap home from summer camp. In searching out info on how to keep it alive, I came across this forum and I hope you can answer a few questions. I've seen some conflicting information; and I want to be sure I'm doing the right things for this plant. My son would be devastated if "Vennie" died, and besides, it's a really neat plant.
1. It's in a home-made terrarium made out of a one liter soda bottle. In browsing this forum, I see that some of you keep your flytraps in terrariums and some do not. I've read on the 'net (and care tips on this site) that it's good to keep it in a covered container--but that seems not to be the consensus here. I live in Wisconsin, and it's hot and humid now, but will be dry and cold later...is it best to leave it in the "terrarium"? You can take the top off it. I wouldn't mind moving him to a nicer looking container...what do you suggest? Do VFTs transplant well, or will it be unhappy if I move it? He's currently in what looks like peat moss, with about 3 inches of pearlite in the bottom. I've been keeping the mixture damp.
2. I have a supply of Reverse Osmosis water. Is this OK for him?
3. Can he eat other insects besides flies? Can we feed it spiders/ants/etc? How much should we give it? I read that they eat two-three flies a month, will it hurt it to give it more than that? I know, no people food.
Any other advice you can give us will be much appreciated. I'd like to keep "Vennie" happy!
Thanks,
CRW
1. It's in a home-made terrarium made out of a one liter soda bottle. In browsing this forum, I see that some of you keep your flytraps in terrariums and some do not. I've read on the 'net (and care tips on this site) that it's good to keep it in a covered container--but that seems not to be the consensus here. I live in Wisconsin, and it's hot and humid now, but will be dry and cold later...is it best to leave it in the "terrarium"? You can take the top off it. I wouldn't mind moving him to a nicer looking container...what do you suggest? Do VFTs transplant well, or will it be unhappy if I move it? He's currently in what looks like peat moss, with about 3 inches of pearlite in the bottom. I've been keeping the mixture damp.
2. I have a supply of Reverse Osmosis water. Is this OK for him?
3. Can he eat other insects besides flies? Can we feed it spiders/ants/etc? How much should we give it? I read that they eat two-three flies a month, will it hurt it to give it more than that? I know, no people food.
Any other advice you can give us will be much appreciated. I'd like to keep "Vennie" happy!
Thanks,
CRW