Flytrap Garden Sprouting and Care Instructions

Growing and Care Information

  • Place your germination disk in a separate container and slowly pour 3/4 cups of DISTILLED water directly on the disk. Only use distilled or collected rain water. DO NOT USE well, tap, spring or any other water other than distilled or rain water.  The minerals in other water will destroy your seedlings.
  • Use a plastic spoon to mix and aerate the planting mixture that will rapidly form.
  • Carefully use the plastic spoon to add the germination mixture to the double sphere glass terrarium. Only fill it up to a level that is ¼ of an inch from the lower lip of the opening in the container.
  • Use the spoon to press the medium flat and make the surface smooth.
  • The seeds are tiny. Sprinkle the seeds into the crease of a small piece of paper folded in half. Spread them out on the surface of the soil and very lightly cover them with about 1/8 of an inch of soil and press smooth.
  • You can place your Blue Quartz Stone in now or wait until your seeds have sprouted.
  • Adhere the circular germination lock decal to the entire circular opening of the container. Place your planted terrarium in a place where it receives bright indirect sunlight and will not be easily knocked over.
  • Seeds will germinate in 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on variety.
  • After 4-6 months, remove the germination lock decal and water weekly with DISTILLED WATER. Your plants will thrive in a moist environment. You can remove decal and add DISTILLED water as needed monthly during the germination phase, and then replace the decal.
  • When plants die back, you will need to give them a cold period. Cut back and put in refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. Keep soil barely moist during that time. Then remove and keep moist with DISTILLED WATER. They will grow back larger and larger each year that you do this.
  • Never feed your plants raw meat. When the traps get larger, you can feed them tiny amounts of cooked meat.

    Note
    The Compressed Peat Disk does NOT contain any supplemental nutrients.  Carnivorous plants eat meat because the peat in their natural habitat lacks any minerals, salts, or nutrients.  Fertilizing your plants at all will harm them.  DO NOT FERTILIZE.  ONLY WATER WITH DISTILLED WATER.

    Flytrap Garden FAQ
    How long will my Flytraps take to sprout?
    Flytraps can take six weeks to three months to sprout.

    Why do I have to use rainwater or distilled water to water my Flytraps? 
    Flytraps require distilled water to thrive due to their unique nutritional needs and sensitivity to minerals.     The minerals found in ordinary tap water, bottled water, well water, purified and spring waters are harmful to your carnivorous plants. These minerals are typically not found in the peat bogs they naturally grow in and instead are obtained through insects they capture. Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater.  Do not use bottled, tap, spring, well, or salt water.

    How often do I have to water my Flytraps?
    Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater.  Flytraps like to be kept moist, so be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water with distilled water whenever the top layer of soil begins to dry out.

    When will my Flytraps eat bugs?
    Your Flytraps will not need to eat flies until they are two or three years old although most plants receive their nutrients from the soil. When they are mature, you can remove the lid and thoroughly saturate soil with distilled water, then place in a cool, shady area. The plants will attract little gnats and other small bugs with a sweet scent they emit to catch insects. 

    Can I feed meat to my Flytraps?
    Flytraps obtain essential nutrients by capturing and digesting insects. While they can thrive on insects, meat is not recommended. Carnivorous plants are made to digest insects specifically, therefore feeding your plant meat could inhibit digestion and harm the plant.

    How Long do Flytraps live?
    Flytraps can live 20 years with proper care.

    Why are individual Flytrap leaves turning black?
    It usually means your trap has died when its leaves turn black. It is normal for old traps to die and new traps to grow. A trap can only close a certain number of times before it dies, so be careful not to purposefully trigger your Flytrap to close it’s trap. A Flytraps leave’s turning black could also indicate overwatering, most times caused by poor drainage. If you encounter a black trap, remove it from the plant and ensure your Flytrap is getting adequate sunlight and proper watering.

    Why is my Flytrap dying?
    If you notice your whole plant dying, it likely needs a cold period. Trim your plant down and put it in your refrigerator for 6-8 weeks, adding a very small amount of water to your Flytrap every 3 weeks. After the cold period in the refrigerator, water your Flytrap thoroughly with distilled water and place your Seed Square in a warm, well-lit area.

    Please email us at service@uniquegardener.com if you have any questions or experience any issues with this item.  Please email us directly and do not contact the reseller you purchased this from.