Question
I have a Dente Venus Flytrap and have been following your recommendations for growing; outdoors, full sun, distilled water, soil, etc.  The plant has been growing exceptionally well and lately has experienced a growth spurt.  It has sent up between 8 and 10 new leaves but I've noticed that before the traps have fully matured and opened, they begin to turn black on the edges and die.  I know this is normal for older growth and I've been trimming those off, but to have them die before the traps open is premature.  Could my plant possibly have a root fungus?  I live in central Utah.

Answer
Hi Jackson,

Is the location of your plant in a hot dry breezy area?  If it's in an exceptionally dry area it might cause this.  Also, look at the traps with a magnifying glass.  Do you see any little webs or tiny red bugs moving around on them?  Spider mites could also cause this, especially in a drier climate.  Tell me about the way you are watering.  Is it in a shallow dish, or is it in a container that the pot sits deeply in the water?  Venus flytraps tend to not like to sit in deep water, but just to have the soil wet.

If you could send me a photo of your plant it would help me greatly.  That way I could give you much better recommendations.  Try to include a bit of the growing area in your photo.

Good Growing!

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