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Post by photowill on May 29, 2007 10:35:00 GMT -5
Hey, I just signed up in my quest to start growing a Venus Flytrap. I've looked through many websites and got some information already and then found a link suggesting this place for Ontario residents growing the VFT's.
From what I've gathered:
The Flytraps need slow exposure to sunlight. First you grow them inside in a wet boggy/mossy type soil(correct me if I'm wrong, please) and when you move them outside it's to the shade for the first 2 weeks, then to the sunlight. If you keep them outside for the summer you need to always make sure the soil is wet with rain water. Before frost comes you need to move them somewhere cold (but not below freezing) for dormancy and keep the soil damp.
That's what I've found so far, if anybody could help me out with what I just typed (if any is wrong or suggest anything) that would be amazing. When I get home from school I'll post some questions I have because the period is almost over.
Thanks!
-Will
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Post by mabudon on May 29, 2007 10:42:04 GMT -5
Greetings Will! That is about right, basically. The water has to be PURE, which rain water usually is. You don't have to worry about "hardening" (the process of exposing the plant to a little sunlight, more and more gradually) plants off too much if they came from somewhere with good strong light- that being said, most plants you can buy in the stores are NOT grown in perfect conditions and should be eased into the sunlight, tho they will not automatically die if you just set them outside and let them deal with it, they don't really like that kind of treatment I'm sure more folks will come and jump in here. Sounds like you've done yer homework so far though  |
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Post by insectivore on May 29, 2007 11:46:48 GMT -5
Hey Will! First off, Welcome to the forum! As for the VFT you seem to know pretty much everything you need to know... Store bought VFT's need to take it easy in the beggining light wise, but if you take your time and be patient you should get nice plants! Cya  |
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Post by vraev on May 29, 2007 11:51:28 GMT -5
yeah....its takes a while for them to look good...but as long as you ease their transition...they shouldn't loose too many leaves in the transition phase.  |
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Post by eql on May 29, 2007 12:07:43 GMT -5
welcome!!
after a few weeks you'll notice the inside of the trap turning red.. that means its getting enough sunlight.. ive found that if new trap turn brown on the edges almost immediately that they are getting burned... probably if they are in direct sunlight all day... if that happens, try moving them to a semi-sun-semi-shade where it wont always be in direct sunlight...
personally I grow mine just inside the patio door (N facing), and on nice days i'll take the outside to enjoy the sun and catch some food!
hope this helps!
*EQL*
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Post by photowill on May 29, 2007 14:34:59 GMT -5
Okay, new question, where the heck do I buy a plant? At first I was thinking of just growing one from seedling but I don't know if I'm for the challenge (or whatever). Should I check in some nurseries and see what they have or is there a special place I need to go to to find a VFT?
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Post by photowill on May 29, 2007 14:43:57 GMT -5
Another. When the plant goes into dormancy, do I feed it? As in buy like crickets or something from the pet store? Or does it not eat while in dormancy?
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Post by mabudon on May 29, 2007 15:42:52 GMT -5
Where to get 'em?? You can usually find "plain" VFTs locally, Home Depot gets them in sometimes, they're usually 5-7 $ there
Dormant means dormant, they are slow moving (IF they move at all) while "sleeping" so basicaly you just leave them alone . Hope that helps!
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Post by insectivore on May 29, 2007 16:45:53 GMT -5
While in dormancy jsut keep it damp in the fridge... No food... Cya BTW: Dormancy in from novembre to march (About) |
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