It’s easy to moderately hard to grow this plant. Its native range is thought to be the Cape Fear River Basin in North and South Carolina. It does best in zones 6 through 9.
Venus Flytrap Akai Ryu is Japanese for “Red Dragon. This is a beautiful type of VFT that has wonderful deep burgundy red traps and petioles all year long. Traps have golden green margins. Very young plants frequently show all red coloration. Juvenile or low lit plants may show some green color. The Red Dragon Venus Flytrap is a registered cultivar from Ron Gagliardo and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It is a spectacular plant. Royalties from each sale go to the endangered species conservation program at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
Unless size specifies “potted”, plants are shipped bare-root, wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. In its dormant season, it will be shipped as a dormant corm. Photographs are representative of the cultivar, and not the specific plant shipped.
The plant is a perennial that grows best in warm, temperate climates. It blooms from June to July and is white. The soil should be Upper Bog Mix or All-Purpose Mix. It needs bright light indoors and full sun to partial sun outdoors. It needs to stay moist all the time. It is an excellent subject for terrariums.
Carnivorous plants capture the imagination with their bizarre insect eating habits and unusual forms. Of these fascinating flesh eaters, the Venus flytrap is arguably the most iconic. And one cultivar called the ‘Red Dragon’ packs an extra visual punch. With its elongated burgundy-red trap leaves resembling the open jaws of a dragon, this selection puts on a dramatic, fiery display in any collection of carnivores.
In this article, we’ll examine this distinctively colored Venus flytrap variety – delving into its origins, ideal growing conditions, proper care, and why its traps take on such a rad look Read on to learn all about the amazing Red Dragon flytrap!
A Close Look at the Characteristics of Red Dragon Venus Flytraps
Native to a small region of the Carolinas the Venus flytrap gets its name from its unique traps that spring shut to capture insect prey reminiscent of the Roman goddess of love. The species typically has green oval traps formed by two leaf lobes hinged together at the midrib.
The Red Dragon cultivar shows off longer, skinnier traps colored deep red to burgundy. The elongated shape and dark color resemble a dragon’s open mouth lined with pointed teeth, giving rise to its name. Smaller trigger hairs inside the traps detect insect motion and snap them closed.
This selection was produced by biologists in laboratories, rather than occurring naturally in the wild It maintains all the traits that make flytraps effective carnivores, while amping up visual appeal with its dragonesque traps.
Plants reach about 5 inches tall and wide. Traps measure about an inch long when fully open and turn from deep red to green in mature specimens. Leaves grow from a compact rosette. Flower stalks up to 15 inches tall bear white blooms in summer.
Growing Conditions for Vibrant Red Dragon Traps
Venus flytraps thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils that encourage them to get nutrients from insect prey. Replicating the environment of their natural bog habitat helps Red Dragon flytraps grow their best. Here are the key conditions to provide this plant:
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Full sun – At least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily results in the most intense trap color.
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Acidic, low fertility soil – Use a mix formulated for carnivores, with no fertilizer. Sphagnum peat or perlite create the right soil chemistry.
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Consistent moisture – Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Water with purified or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
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High humidity – Place pots on a humidity tray or mist the leaves often.
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Good air flow – Stagnant conditions promote rot and disease.
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Temperatures – Ideal temperatures are 65-85°F during the day and 55-70°F at night.
When grown in full sun and acidic, wet soils, Red Dragon develops the deepest red trap color. Insufficient light, overly dry or fertile soil causes greener, less vibrant leaves.
Feeding and Dormancy Needs of the Flytrap
Flytraps get most nutrients from insects they catch. Avoid fertilizing Red Dragon plants. Feed traps 1-2 live insects per month by touching prey to trigger hairs until the leaves close. Small bugs like fruit flies, ants, and spiders work well.
Traps only close 4-5 times before turning black and dying. Avoid triggering traps without feeding insects so they last as long as possible. Don’t manually reopen closed traps or damage will occur. New traps continually regenerate from the base.
Flytraps require a winter dormancy period with cooler temperatures and reduced watering. This mimics their natural cycle and stimulates spring growth. For 3 months, keep dormant Red Dragon plants between 32-55°F and cut watering back significantly but not completely.
How to Care for Red Dragon Venus Flytraps
Caring for Red Dragon flytraps involves providing suitable growing conditions, adequate moisture, insect prey, and dormancy. Here are some key care tips:
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Pot in a low nutrient carnivorous plant soil. Repot when roots fill containers.
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Water with purified or distilled water only. Keep soil damp but not saturated.
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Place in bright sunlight for at least 4 hours daily. A windowsill works well.
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Feed live insects 1-2 times per month. Touch prey to trap interiors until they close.
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Prune off any dead, black traps as they appear. Healthy traps regenerate continually.
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Allow plants to go dormant in winter with 3 months of reduced water and cooler 55°F temperatures.
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Propagate by dividing crowns after dormancy. Each division must have roots and a growth point to regrow.
With the right care, Red Dragon flytraps deliver striking traps and endless fascination observing their carnivorous habits in action. Their intense color and elongate jaws add dramatic flare matched by few other plants.
Why Does Red Dragon Show Deep Red Traps?
So why does this particular flytrap cultivar develop such dark red trap leaves, unlike the typical green? The deep color comes from increased production of anthocyanin pigments.
Many plants generate anthocyanins in response to stresses like bright sun exposure or cool nights. These pigments act as antioxidants to protect tissues from damage. They also deter pests looking for tasty leaves to eat.
Red Dragon’s genetics ramp up anthocyanin levels far beyond that of normal flytraps. The long skinny traps absorb even more light to spur greater anthocyanin development, resulting in intense crimson color. Providing full sun further boosts production of these red pigments.
The vibrant trap color isn’t essential for the plant’s survival. But it gives Red Dragon huge visual appeal and helps it stand out among the hundreds of Venus flytrap cultivars available to growers.
Growing the Eye-Catching Red Dragon Variety
For both novice and seasoned carnivorous plant growers alike, the Red Dragon flytrap always elicits admiration for its unconventional color and form. It makes an excellent addition to any collection of plants that buck the norm. Besides catching insects, its dramatic traps and compact size make Red Dragon perfect for terrariums and bottle gardens.
As with any specialty plant, providing this flytrap with its preferred conditions is key to success. Mimic its natural bog habitat with wet acidic soil, high humidity, and bright light to enjoy this Venus flytrap’s fully realized beauty. Handle traps with care, allow dormancy in winter, and supply juicy insect snacks occasionally to keep your Red Dragon plant thriving for years of enjoyment.
Customer Reviews Based on 13 reviews
Im on the east coast, so plant is naturally dormant now. I have it in my fridge. Healthy looking, packaged great and shipped perfectly. I ordered a few sundews as well that are growing and looking awesome! B.
And even though the mail carrier made a mistake and there was a short delay in delivery, my beautiful trap did get here! I potted them up during my lunch break and I’m so in love with them! It arrived quickly and was very well packaged. Thanks for giving me such a beautiful, healthy, and strong venus fly trap. I can’t wait to see it grow!
Received my fly trap in excellent condition, looks great with rest of plants. Haven’t had any issues with CPN! R.
I bought my third VFT variety from CPN, and I haven’t been disappointed yet! The plant came well packed and protected, and it has opened up nicely. New growth is already showing and Im excited to add it to my little collection! A.
I love this Venus fly trap. It fits perfectly in my smaller terrarium. 10/10
It is easy to grow and go to sleep, and its native range is the wet Pocosins of the Gulf Coast from Georgia to the Mississippi Delta. Its hardiness levels are 7-9 (6–10).
The Northern Purple Pitcher is easy to grow and goes to sleep in peat bogs in eastern and northern North America. It does best in zones 2–7 (2–8).
It’s easy to moderately hard to grow this plant. Its native range is thought to be the Cape Fear River Basin in North and South Carolina. Its hardiness zones are 6 to 9.
Growing: It’s easy to grow, and it does go to sleep sometimes. Its native habitat is wet bogs in New Jersey. Its hardiness zone is 6 (5–9).
There is no dormancy for this plant. Its parents are from tropical Malaysia. Growing conditions: 8–11 (6–12) zones. Nepenthes x Miranda is a big, strong plant.
Lets Repot Some Venus Flytraps – Red Dragon (Akai Ryu) & King Henry + Beginner Care Tips
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What is a Venus Fly Trap Red Dragon?
The Venus Fly Trap Red Dragon ( Dionaea muscipula) is named Akai Ryu, which means Red Dragon in Japanese. This is a striking and vigorous plant that features bright red stems with deep, burgundy-colored traps and is characterized by upright statuesque growth. Color hues can vary from almost maroon to a lighter shade of red.
What is a Venus flytrap?
Popular varieties of Venus flytrap include: ‘Red Dragon’: The leaves and traps of Dionaea muscipula ‘Red Dragon’, also known as Dionaea muscipula ‘Adai Ryu’, turn dark red in full sunlight. During winter dormancy, ‘Red Dragon’ drops all its leaves but soon bounces back.
Which Venus flytraps are red?
The “DC All Red” is in fact, completely red. Dionaea “Flaming Lips” – A Venus flytrap with bright orange traps. Dionaea “Ginormous” – This is perhaps the largest of Venus Flytraps with the plant’s traps measuring a generous 2.25 inches across its opening.
What is a red dragon flytrap?
“Red Dragon” or “Akai Ryu” – This cultivar is notable for its striking all-red coloration, unlike the typical green and red of most Venus flytraps. “Royal Red” – Similar to ‘Red Dragon’, but retains some green coloration on the plant. “Big Mouth” – A cultivar that produces large traps and exhibits vigorous growth.