Question
hi,i am a 12 year old boy growing 2 venus flytraps.They are dormant now and have few leaves.But this is how i raise them,i give them distilled water,i give them no fertilizers or meat products,they are outside getting seven hours of sun ,i do not feed them as that is their job.they grow in vermiculite,peat,and desert sand.any flaws.(let me know).

Answer
Hi Reddragon, Sarracenia,

If you haven't already, be sure to read the care directions on Venus flytraps on our website as I mentioned before.

Since you're in Ohio, watch your weather this time of year for very cold weather systems coming through.  If temperatures are going to be below freezing for period of time, bring the plant into an unheated garage or shed, or cover it and bury it in leaves or other mulch until the weather warms above freezing.

Since it's winter, and the plants are dormant their is no growth this time of year.  New shoots should emerge in late April.

Next time you repot the plants use a mix of peat moss and perlite or peat moss and washed sand.  Vermiculite tends to be too alkaline, and desert sand like used for reptiles can be alkaline also.

When the plant begins growing in the spring, be sure the pots are sitting in about 1 inch of water, and are in a full sun location.  Our rule of thumb is that wherever you place a Venus flytrap, you should be able to grow a tomato or rose bush there.  If it's not bright enough for tomatoes or roses, it's not bright enough for Venus flytraps.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com