Venus Flytrap Blackening: Light, Water, Soil, and Dormancy

Georgia's Venus flytrap center turned black. Causes and care guide.

Likely Causes

• Improper light (needs bright indirect).
• Growing media too wet.
• Hard/alkaline water.

Correct Conditions

• Soil: Sphagnum moss only – no potting soil.
• Moisture: Barely damp always, never wet, never dry.
• Water: Distilled only (low impurity tolerance).
• Humidity: High – terrarium or covered container best.
• Feeding: Ants/flies only; no meat, no triggering traps. Digestion takes ~1 week.

Dormancy (Critical for Longevity)

• Wild: 3 months at 40°F.
• Indoors: Unpredictable; may not occur.
• If plant appears dead: Remove from moss, cut traps off bulb, wrap in plastic, refrigerate 6–8 weeks, then replant.

Difficult indoors long-term due to dormancy needs.