Question
Greetings, I've recently begun the difficult task of attempting to grow Venus flytraps from seeds. I've set up soda-bottle terrariums, with 2.5"x2.5" square plastic flower pots in each. The pots are each about 3" high, full of moistened peat moss/perlite (1:1) and I have them each sitting in a water container, with ~0.5" reverse-osmosis purified water. How often should I empty the containers and add fresh water? Does the water level sound reasonable, or too shallow? Should I add the water over the top of the pot so that it drains down through the pot, or do I add the water from beneath, hoping that it will absorb upwards through the pot? Thank you!

Answer
Hi Flytrapper,

Just to keep the water fresh, empty it about once a week.  Definitely top water the pots.  This helps oxygenate the soil, and wash away mold spores.  The water level should be low.  Keep just enough in there to keep the peat moist.  Once you achieve germination, make sure you're allowing ventilation into the containers.  Too much humidity will encourage mold growth.  If you haven't already, be sure to spray the seeds and soil surface with a fungicide.  We prefer to use a sulfur based fungicide.  For more information on growing Venus flytraps and other carnivorous plants visit:  http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good Growing!

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