The Venus flytrap is a very hardy carnivorous plant that has become popular as a houseplant across the world. However, sometimes, you may see that your Venus flytrap is starting to die. You may panic and start to overcompensate the plant with nutrients and fertilizers to save it. However, this can be a fatal mistake and could further accelerate the death of your plant.
So, it is very important to understand the reasons for your dying Venus flytrap to give it the care it needs and revive it back to health. If your plant is turning black during the winters, the plant is likely entering the dormant phase. It is a natural process, and the plant shall revive by itself as spring comes. However, sometimes the cause may be excess stress on the plant due to a change in the growing conditions. So, you need to identify the root cause to help your Venus flytrap properly.
Why is my Venus fly trap Dying?
So, let us discuss some of the factors which may be killing your Venus flytrap –
- The wrong type of soil
- Improper water
- Lack of sunlight
- Pests and diseases
The Wrong Type of Soil
The soil is one of the important factors that determine the growth of the plant. The Venus flytrap requires acidic soil that is free from nutrients, organic matter and is well-drained. Using regular soil or potting mixes which are high in nutrients may oversaturate and kill your Venus flytrap.
Solution
The best solution to this problem is to make a homemade potting mix that caters to the specific needs of the plant. It can be done by mixing equal parts of peat moss and perlite. The moss makes the soil acidic, while the perlite allows proper drainage in the soil. Both these soils are low in nutrients and organic material. Thus, it provides the ideal potting medium for the Venus flytrap. You can also read guide on how to make soil for Venus fly trap.
2. Improper Water
The Venus flytrap can be very finicky about the type of water it receives. It needs pure water to grow well. However, if you water it with tap water which has a high amount of dissolved nutrients in them, the plant may get oversaturated. This prevents them from assimilating the required nutrients and causes them to drown.
Similarly, if you water your plant too often, you are likely to overwater and drown it. This may lead to the death of the plant.
Solution
The ideal type of water is rainwater. However, rainwater may not be available throughout the year. So, the best alternative is to use distilled or reverse osmosis water.
Reduce the frequency of watering if you see that there is stagnant water being left behind. Only provide enough water to keep the soil moist. Watering the plant twice a week in the summers and once or twice a month during winters is ideal. A detailed guide on how to water a Venus fly trap plant is available to read.
3. Pests and Diseases
Although resistant to most insects, the Venus flytrap may be prone to certain pests like aphids, mites, and even fungus. These may harm your plant if left untreated.
Solution
Use effective fungicides and insecticides to treat these diseases at the earliest and limit the damage.
Thus, these are the steps to help revive your dying Venus flytrap back to health.
