Hybridizing Venus Flytraps: What to Expect from a "Red Cup" Cross

A grower asked if rubbing flowers of a "cup" flytrap and "Red Dragon" would produce a red cup flytrap, and if seeds would be viable.

Genetic Unpredictability

Christopher explained that crossing two highly inbred cultivars produces variable offspring ("mutts"). Few if any would show both traits consistently. It would take years of selective breeding to stabilize a new cultivar with both deep red and cup-shaped leaves.

Pollination Method

Yes, simply rubbing flowers together can produce seeds, but results are highly variable.