Venus fly trap

Photo: Valery Beaud (http://vbeaud.free.fr/Documents/Photos/Macros)

It is known as a carnivorous plant, as it survives off the juices of numerous insects and has the ability to catch and digest them. The Venus fly trap draws out the nitrogen from the insects that they cannot find in their surroundings, which are mostly bogs[?]. They grow usually from eight to twelve inches in height and start from bulb shaped roots.

The tip of the leaf is divided into two hinged lobes that form a trap. There are many traps on a plant, each on their own individual leaf. The trap is lined with tiny hairs that act as the trigger for the trap. The inside of the trap has little red colored glands that attract insects. The hairs must be touched twice (to prevent natural things like raindrops from triggering it), whereupon the lobes will expand and shut the trap. This action is very fast, typically well under a second. If the hairs are still being triggered, it will close tighter as well as release digestive enzymes that dissolve the insect. This normally takes about 10 days for one insect. However, if the trap closes and the hairs aren't being triggered, it will open after a few hours. It's very rare that a trap will catch even three insects in its lifetime.

Care Venus Fly Traps do not need to be fertilized, as the insects supplement what they already get from the soil. However, if they get less nutrients from the soil, they will need to catch more insects. They prefer direct sunlight. They can survive winter temperatures of minimum 0-50 degrees Celsius. If you live in a place without cold winters, it is reccomended you place them in the refrigerator for about six weeks during the winter season to keep them on a normal cycle.