Venus Flytrap Beginner Care: Outdoor Full Sun, Tray Watering, Dormancy Required

A Portland, OR apartment dweller received a Venus flytrap. Jeff Dallas's quick-start guide:

Water: Shallow tray, ≤¼ pot depth. Portland tap water is fine (low minerals).
Light: Full sun on deck. Expect some leaf burn during transition; trim damaged leaves.
Temperature: Cold-hardy perennial. Tolerates 20°F briefly; teens with protection. Needs winter dormancy.
Repot: Within 1–2 months into 5–6" pot with 1:1 peat:perlite/sand. Never use Miracle-Gro or fertilized mixes.
Soil: Buy pre-mixed CP soil to avoid fertilizer contamination.

Flytraps are like potted strawberries—they fail indoors from low light and missing dormancy. Grow outdoors year-round.

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