Expert: Joan Avila - 4/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, i have a venus fly trap. Is it ok to put it by the window?  Or is there maybe to many direct sunlight? And how come that the fly's in the trap are not digesting??

Greetz Gunther
ANSWER: Hello Gunther,
As long as it receives full direct sunlight in the morning, it will be fine. It it shines in the afternoon, then keep the window closed or put the pot in a container to receive indirect sunlight.

When a flytrap closes, it will take a week or so to digest the insect.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: But the flytrap opens after 1 or 2 days with the fly in it?
And i have seen on a website that you can create seeds with the flower can you eplain me how? because its difficult explained there with those special names :). The sting is already 25 cm and its almost flowering.

Greetz
Gunther
ANSWER: Hello Gunther,
There could be two reasons why the flytrap opened in two day.
1, it has probably recieved all the nutrients it had or needed or
2, Some flytraps like certain foods. try feeding it other insects. Which ever one they like best is the correct food.

Good luck and good growing!
Joan Avila

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: And can you give me some explaning and tips how to create seeds?  

Answer
Hello Gunther!
The first thing you want to look at is the care and status of your plant. Does it look well cared?  Are there many healthy leaves?

When the flytrap will flower, you will see it will first release a stem. The stem will grow until it flowers. At this point, don't feed it and make sure all the traps are opened. If there is one or more opened, don't worry. But it does best with the traps opened.

Now that you got prepared, as soon as it is very long, about 5 inch or so, then put it in indirect sunlight for hours, about 5 each day. The flower blooms well in bright light. Soon, the flower will die and drop some tiny black seeds. Pick them up carefully and place them in a bag or small cup, where they won't get lost.

Good luck, And enjoy your plants!