The Many Marvelous Kinds of Venus Flytraps

The Venus flytrap is one of the most fascinating and unique plants in the world This carnivorous plant has specialized leaves called traps that snap shut when an insect triggers sensitive hairs inside The plant then digests the insect to supplement its nutrient intake.

There are over 70 officially registered cultivars of the Venus flytrap, each with their own distinctive traits From vibrant red traps to saw-like teeth, the diversity among Venus flytrap cultivars is simply astonishing

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and intriguing kinds of Venus flytraps and what makes them so special. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast looking to start a collection or simply curious about these captivating plants, read on to learn more about the many marvelous kinds of Venus flytraps.

Red Varieties

Many Venus flytrap cultivars exhibit striking red coloration to some degree. The intensity and shade of red can vary quite a bit across the different varieties.

Akai Ryu

One of the most widely available and popular red flytraps is Akai Ryu, which translates to “red dragon” in Japanese. This variety has deep burgundy-red traps and foliage. The vivid coloration develops best under strong light. Akai Ryu retains the classic Venus flytrap shape and growth habit, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Clayton’s Red Sunset

Clayton’s Red Sunset stands out with dramatic dark red traps and foliage so deep they appear nearly black in full sun. Unlike most red varieties, the teeth and spikes on the traps remain bright yellow as they emerge. The petioles (leaf stalks) are unusually long and thin as well.

Bohemian Garnet

Developed by crossbreeding Royal Red and Sawtooth, Bohemian Garnet is a more compact flytrap with Akai Ryu’s red color on Sawtooth’s distinctive saw-like traps. The striking color and unique trap shape make this a real showstopper.

Green Varieties

While red flytraps draw the most attention, there are some noteworthy green varieties too.

B-52

B-52 is renowned as the largest Venus flytrap cultivar, with monster traps reaching over 2 inches. It can be quite vigorous when grown well. This giant green flytrap has a tropical appearance.

Justina Davis

Justina Davis stays bright green even in direct sun when most Venus flytraps would develop red pigments. The consistent green and large traps give this variety an eye-catching, bold look.

Unique Traps

Beyond color, some Venus flytrap cultivars have distinctive trap shapes and features.

Alien

Living up to its otherworldly name, Alien flytraps have long, narrow, spiky traps unlike any other variety. The skinny traps are heavily adorned with trigger hairs and dramatic wicked teeth. This is definitely one of the most peculiar flytraps.

Sawtooth

As the name indicates, Sawtooth flytraps have tiny saw-like teeth lining the trap edges. The delicate, fringe-like teeth give the plant an exotic appearance. This variety is slower growing than a typical Venus flytrap.

Dentate Traps

Dentate Traps, also known as Dente, have stubby triangular teeth compared to the hair-like spikes of most flytraps. The resulting “shark tooth” look is distinct and eye-catching. Dentate Traps is often considered the best cultivar for beginners.

Fused Tooth

A mature Fused Tooth Venus flytrap looks fairly ordinary in spring. But as the season progresses, the spikes and teeth fuse together into peculiar flattened clusters and webbed shapes. This gradual transformation is part of what makes Fused Tooth so fascinating.

Mini Sized

For those with limited space, miniature Venus flytrap varieties are perfect choices. These tiny terror plants pack all the carnivorous charm into a petite package.

Petite Dragon

Unsurprisingly, Petite Dragon is essentially a smaller version of the popular Akai Ryu cultivar. It exhibits the same deep red coloration and classic Venus flytrap form in a compact size. These mini flytraps are great for indoor growing.

Microdent

Among the tiniest of flytraps, Microdent stands out with its itty-bitty teeth lining each oval trap. These plants stay quite small and are well-suited to terrariums.

Beginner Favorite

For those new to growing Venus flytraps, I always recommend starting with the time-tested classic Dionaea muscipula. This is the unaltered, wild-form Venus flytrap with bright green traps and white flowers. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and reliably satisfying to grow. The typical flytrap is the perfect introduction to these fantastic carnivorous plants.

Once you get some experience caring for Venus flytraps under your belt, I’d suggest trying out some of the more unusual varieties like Sawtooth, Bohemian Garnet, or Fused Tooth. The diversity among the species is incredible, so don’t be afraid to explore new cultivars after mastering the original.

Where to Buy Venus Flytraps

When purchasing Venus flytraps, I highly recommend buying from a specialized carnivorous plant nursery rather than a generic garden center. A knowledgeable specialty grower can help match you with suitable varieties for your climate and experience level. Buying from a nursery also ensures you get a healthy plant that was raised properly.

There are several excellent carnivorous plant nurseries that ship across the United States:

• California Carnivores – Specializing in western US native carnivorous plants
• Flytrap Store – Huge selection of Venus flytrap cultivars
• Sarracenia Northwest – Great starter kits for beginners
• Carnivorous Plant Nursery – Diverse selection and educational resources

When shopping for Venus flytraps, look for plants with healthy roots and traps free of brown spots. The traps should be turgid and firm, not wilted or deflated. Avoid flower stalks, as they sap the plant’s energy.

Growing Your Own Venus Flytraps

Caring for Venus flytraps isn’t as tricky as their exotic appearance suggests. Just remember they require very bright light, moist soil, and a winter dormancy period. I suggest a mix of peat moss and perlite or sand for potting soil. Use distilled or rain water only, as tap water minerals will harm the plants.

Situate your flytrap in a south-facing window or under a grow light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Let your plant go dormant in the winter by placing it in the refrigerator for 3-4 months. Resume normal watering and lighting in spring and watch your flytrap thrive with its insect diet!

With a basic understanding of their needs, Venus flytraps can be just as easy to grow as traditional houseplants. Their specialized traps and active carnivory also make flytraps far more fascinating than any regular houseplant.

Whether you opt for a tried and true green variety or a flashy red cultivar, Venus flytraps are sure to impress any plant lover. With so many varieties boasting unique colors, shapes, and sizes, there’s a flytrap perfect for everyone. Just be sure to buy from a reputable source. Soon you’ll have your own gorgeous, mouth-shaped plant pets catching bugs!