Meat Eating Mouse Sprouting and Growing Information

Planting Instructions
1. Carefully remove all components from the color box.
2. Drop three soil disks into the opening and add 80 ml (approximately 5 ½ tablespoons) of DISTILLED water. You can also used collected rain water. DO NOT USE bottled, tap, or spring water.
3. The disks and water will rapidly combine to produce moist germination mixture. Use a thin plastic spoon to spread and smooth.
4. Empty the seeds into the palm of your hand and use the other hand to disperse the seeds throughout the Mouse Terrariums. You can also use the handle of the spoon to drop them into the back of the planter.
5. Insert the included cork top into the opening of the Mouse Terrarium.
6. Place your Mouse Terrarium in an area where it receives bright, indirect light and will not be easily knocked over.
7. Seeds will sprout in 3 weeks to 3 months.
8. Water your Mouse Garden every two to three weeks with DISTILLED WATER ONLY and leave the cork stopper in place to maintain the mini climate inside the Terrarium.

The Meat-Eating Mouse FAQ
How long will my Carnivorous plants take to sprout? 
Your Carnivorous seeds can take six weeks to three months to sprout.

What is the process for sprouting carnivorous seed?
First, hydrate the soil with the amount of distilled water recommended in the instructions. You can do this right in the base of your biodome. Once hydrated, aerate your soil and then smooth out the top. Place or sprinkle your Flytrap seed where you would like and cover it with 1/8” of soil. Sprinkle the Sundew seeds on top of the soil. The seeds will germinate in about 4-8 weeks. 

Why do I have to use rainwater or distilled water to water my Carnivorous kit? 
Carnivorous Plants 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 Carnivorous kit?
Use Only Distilled water or collected rainwater. Carnivorous Plants 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. If you keep your cork on, add a small amount of water, just enough to moisten the soil about once a month. If you remove the cork, add a small amount of water weekly. If you accidentally add too much water, tip your mouse garden gently to let the excess water drain out.

When will my Carnivorous Plants eat bugs?
Your Carnivorous plants 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 Carnivorous Plants?
Carnivorous Plants 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.

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.