Venus Flytrap Turning Black? Common Beginner Mistakes

A 10-year-old grower in Chicago reported a trap turning black after feeding an ant, then a fly too large for the trap. They used tap water left out 24 hours.

Why Traps Turn Black

• Normal aging – Traps die after a few captures, especially in fall as dormancy approaches.
• Oversized prey – Insects larger than 1/3 trap size cause rot.
• Dormancy onset – Cool temperatures trigger trap dieback.

Critical Care Corrections

1. Water – Tap water, even dechlorinated, contains minerals. Use distilled, RO, or rainwater only.
2. Light – Flytraps need 6+ hours of direct sun. They are solar-powered, not insect-powered.
3. Feeding – Optional. Insects supplement, not replace, photosynthesis.

Beginner-Friendly Alternatives

Consider tropical Drosera capensis or Nepenthes for windowsill growing – more forgiving of mistakes.

Read care sheets and watch reputable guides. Parental help recommended for research.