Expert: Christopher Littrell - 2/10/2012

Question
Hello, Chris.

My Venus Flytrap is definitely growing traps out of two areas from the rhizome, possibly 3, although not sure if 3 is correct.

It is very crowded at the moment and I was wondering if I should separate the rhizome. What would be the best method for doing this?

Should I look to see from which area the new flytraps are originating from, and then separate the rhizome into two halves before repotting in separate pots?

I've never separated a Venus flytrap before, my only experience is with my sundews. I'm scared if I do anything before consulting with the experts on here I'll end up killing my only Venus Flytrap, which would be very saddening.

Thanks for your time and help! I also have a photo here. Hopefully it's not too blurry.

Answer
Hello Devon,

That is the way Venus Flytraps naturally grow. They will divide into several plantlets that will quickly mature. Every two or three years, you can divide them into separate pots.

When repotting, dip the rhizome in distilled water to clean it off. In some cases, long roots will have plantlets with tiny rhizomes attached. In other cases, like with yours, the rhizome itself has budded off a division that probably started as a plantlet and grew to adult size rapidly. When those rhizomes are ready to grow alone, they will feel loose when you manipulate them with your hands. If they do feel loose, you can easily pry them apart like the sections of an orange. If they are solidly stuck together, do not try to pry them apart. Best bet, if in doubt about the age and readiness of rhizome divisions, leave them attached for another year.