Question
Hi, my VTF has sprouted its flower stem in the middle, it is about an inch or two long. I am wondering, is it normal for the plant to slow its growth down a little after this flower has begun to grow, because it seems to be growing slower now. Thanks

Answer
Hi Sean,

Many plants will sometimes produce fewer leaves when they're flowering.  This is a normal as the plant is shifting its resources to producing flowers rather than leaves.  It doesn't mean that it's growing slower.  It's just growing faster in other areas of the plant.

This is why it is critical to grow your flytrap in full sun, not in shade or indoors.  All plants get their energy from sunlight, and flytraps are no exceptions.  If you are growing your plant indoors or in shade, you plant will not get sufficient energy to sustain both flower and leaf production.  If this is the case, the plant becomes at risk for exhaustion and irreversible deterioration.  So make sure you're growing your plant outdoors in full sun!

For more information about growing fltyraps and other carnivorous plants, read our care sheets online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin