venus flytraps

Zachary Kaufman (zkaufman@galaxy.csc.calpoly.edu)
Thu, 25 May 1995 20:12:11 -0700

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any tips for getting venus flytraps
to produce large traps?

If I were to snip off leaves as they form from all but one growing point
on the rhizome, would this cause the leaves as well as the traps
produced at the remaining growing point to be larger, or would this
action just frustrate the plant or perhaps send it into shock? (I'm not
suggesting digging up the rhizome, but just snipping off foliage
the moment it starts to become visible. I assume after some time would
terminate a growing point.)

How critical is the lighting? I know under very bright lighting conditions
the traps as well as parts of the leaves turn red in color? Under this
lighting condition do the traps grow the largest or am I better off in a
lower light intensity for increased trap size? Also, how does light
intensity affect leaf life? If the plant is in full sun are the leaves
going to last longer or shorter than a plant under some shade clothe?

thanks a lot,
--Zachary--