The Dionaea, Venus flytrap, is one carnivorous herbaceous plant native to North America. Its leaves are composed of two leaf pages joined symmetrically with small soft teeth at the edge to catch the insect. When he notices the insect it closes with a snap, thanks to six small sensors placed inside the trap. Immediately after the capture the plant begins the digestion absorbing the nutrients useful for its sustenance. In spring it produces a small white flower which is usually cut so as not to steal too much energy from the plant.

The plant it takes a lot of energy in the act of closing, so try not to touch the leaves.

CARE

Dionaea is an original houseplant of very simple care. Preferably use raw peat or a poor soil mix. The ground around the roots it must always remain a little damp, when watering remember not to pour water on the plant itself but only on the earth. In winter, the soil must be kept drier. Place the Dionaea in a bright spot but not exposed to direct sunlight. The best solution is to place the plant on a saucer in which to leave some water. The Dionaea does not like a calcareous soil and prefers rain water. The earth in the pot can remain quite moist, as this plant originally grows in swampy areas. It is not necessary to fertilize it, in winter water it less and place it in a cool place, in this period it may lose some leaves, in spring it will develop new leaves.

The small insects captured by the Dionaea are digested by the plant. The process lasts about 10 days, when the leaves are closed it requires a lot of energy, so it is better not to touch the leaves.