Question
I heard you said that venus flytraps should get enough sunlight. But I also hear from other places that they must be kept indirect. I live in Las Vegas where the climate gets hot in the summer, over 100 degrees (F). So what do I do about sunlight?

Answer
Hi Chris,

Yes, there is a lot of different messages out there.  The idea that flytraps should be kept in indirect light is born from the myth that they need to be grown in terrariums.  As a temperate plant native to North Carolina, the Venus flytrap adapts to a wide variety of climates, include lower humidity.  One thing that the plant cannot adapt to, however, is low sunlight.  Lack of proper sunlight is why many people struggle growing their plants.  At our nursery, we grow our flytraps exclusively outdoors.  During the summer months, they get at least 12 hours of direct sunlight.

Given your location, you obviously need to modify your growing conditions.  This would be true even if you tried growing roses, daisies or vegetables.  These plants all require full sun, but will wither in the intense desert heat.  

The same is true with the Venus flytrap.  We've found that the plant will wither when the soil temperature rises above 110癋.  In your case, you would do the opposite of someone who lives in Montana.  Folks in that state would bring their potted plants indoors during the winter.  In Las Vegas, you would bring your potted plants indoors during the summer.  Your plants will still need full sun, so place your plants in a  south or west window that gets direct sunlight.

We have many customers who have successfully grown Sarracenia and flytraps in Salt Lake City, Phoenix and Tuscon.  While challenging, it is possible to grow carnivorous plants in the desert.  It's a bit too extensive to describe in this format, but you can read about it in our e-book:
http://www.cobraplant.com/ebook

Our second edition, due in July, will have even more information about how to grow carnivorous plants in the desert.  

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

Good growing!
Jacob Farin