Expert: Christopher Littrell - 5/17/2009

Question
Hey,

I just wanted to know if, when, and where I should cut the flower that is about to bloom on my vft.


Answer
Hello Ryan,

It is a myth that Venus Flytraps need to have the flower scape cut off. These plants grow and flower naturally in North Carolina where there is no one to clip off the flowers before they bloom. I see no reason to clip off the flower scape in a plant that is naturally about to flower unless the plant has been kept in substandard conditions.

That myth began as people started keeping the plants indoors in less than survivable lighting arrangements for plants that require full sunlight. If the Venus Flytrap has been kept outside in full sun or under at least 12000 lumens of florescent light 4 inches from the leaves and in a strongly sunlit window, it will flower normally and not weaken appreciably.

I have a Venus Flytrap that I simply cannot grow outside. It has flowered without fail and with no difficulty every year. I never clip the scape off. The plant gets south window light for at least 4-6 hours a day and 12000 lumens of florescent cool white lights for 16 hours a day.

The only time to clip the scape off of your plant would be if it has been in low light conditions for the last few months. If you have it in full sun or in artificial light over 10000 lumens it should be fine, but the less light it receives the more likely it will weaken during flowering.

Christopher