Hello.

Dane Ruyle (Dane_Ruyle@intuit.com)
Sat, 28 Sep 1996 13:13:10 -0700


Hello all!

This is a test / introductory / HELP message. I am not sure how to
post a message on this server... (Hope this is it!)

My name is Dane. I have been fascinated by the Venus Flytrap since I
was 8 years old. I am now 26. I have just recently came across
some Fly Traps being sold at the local San Diego Thrifty Store for
$3.99 each. So I bought one. However, during one of my attempts to
keep it humid, I cooked the plant. (At least I THINK I did).

Perhaps someone can tell me what happened. Let me describe it:

When I got it, it had 4 or 5 closer things on it, but a day after
sitting in the sun (with the lid on it) the leaves (the pintcher
things) turned black, and it spread to the others. So I cut them off.
Now a little new growth is starting, but they are turning black too.

Could this be a disease? Now I have it at work under 24 hours of
florecent light. I thought this would be a good thing, but it does
not appear to be. There is about 3cm's of green left on the WHOLE
plant.

Should I force into it's winter dormacy? Will it be OK if I leave it
as is?

So, since then, I have purchased two more, a better Terrarium, and
some pete moss. They appear to be very happy. But, how long can I
do this for?! The sides of the terrarium is all wet constantly, I
can't see them. I assume they like it that way, but I do not want to
make the same mistake I made with the first one.

Anyone have any suggestions for me?

I have been reading these articles for quite sometime now and only two
or three people have mentioned Venus Fly Traps or Dionae M. Has
everyone out grown these or something?

I have a lot of questions and comments, so I look forward to hearing
from all of you.

Piece!
-Dane