Venus Flytrap Black Spots and Death: Wet Soil and Fungus Are the Killers

A veteran grower loses all seven Venus flytraps to spreading black spots despite 50/50 peat/perlite, distilled water, and full sun. Steve (expert) diagnoses two issues: 1) Constantly waterlogged soil promotes fungal rot; flytraps prefer moist, not wet, conditions—they grow in sandy savannahs, not bogs. 2) Leaf-spot fungus (like rose black spot) attacks leaves. Treat with sulfur-based fungicide (avoid copper). Water thoroughly, then let soil surface dry before rewatering. Use deeper pots to slow drying. Winter dormancy requires drier conditions to prevent bulb rot.

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Best wishes, Steve