Venus Flytrap Spike

[solay]

I bought a venus flytrap a while ago hoping to trap some gnats. Found out they aren't great in doing that. Then the leaves started yellowing and turning black. Was pretty sure it was dying.
It's been in the GH for a few weeks and I've noticed it coming back with new green leaves and traps. Then today, I noticed it was in spike. Funny I didn't notice it before. I didn't even know they flowered. Anyone know what the flower color is?

[patticake]

COOL !! I didn't know they bloomed either! (Actually, all plants bloom, but not all are seen) That's really cool. I can't wait to see the bloom. Please post a pic. when it does.

[solay]

Ya, I had to look twice to make sure it was really a spike and not a wired leaf or something. Then I saw the little buds on top. Hehehe! My husband thinks it's neat too.

[patticake]

How much fun is this?

[solay]

It is fun. I'm thinking of getting some pitcher plants in the future.

[articuno75]

That is too cool!!! I didn't know that they bloomed either. Do post pics when it does.

[jay]

Solay, here is a link that may be helpful. If you click on the main you will see there are faq's and help guides for all carnivorous plants. I linked one of the two pages about flowering.

The Carnivorous Plant FAQ: My Venus flytrap is flowering! What do I do?

[kip]

Originally Posted by patticake

COOL !! I didn't know they bloomed either! (Actually, all plants bloom, but not all are seen) That's really cool. I can't wait to see the bloom. Please post a pic. when it does.

actually, there's about 45,000 species of plants (14% of all plant species) that don't bloom. this includes all mosses, ferns, and pine trees.
venus flytrap flowers are usually white. see this picture (wikipedia) for an example.

[solay]

Oh, oh. So now what? Is it too late to snip off the flower stalk? Didn't know that I'm not suppose to let it flower. Drats. And here I was thinking I was doing something right.

[phalaephila]

Oh my, let the poor thing bloom. I think you could be one of those growers who got the conditions right, especially since you have gotten a flush of new leaves with traps. The plant looks good to me, and the flowers look interesting. Enjoy it!

jeanne

[solay]

Oh boy. Now I'm having second thoughts. I'll let my husband decide tonight. I'll post as to what I did tomorrow. It does seem sad to have to cut it off.

[articuno75]

Surely as long as you have the humidity and lighting right I don't think it would sulk that bad as they say. I think you could do it.

[jay]

If the traps look good I would think that the plant is healthy and will be fine. I just got seeds for a VFT recently, which means they had to flower their plant. I think for most people who buy one from the "box" stores have no idea how to take care of them and it is probably a last resort flower. You however are keeping it in a greenhouse and giving it proper care. I think you will be fine.

[solay]

Ya, maybe there's hope. Also I could buy another if this one dies. I did want to see the flowers open. I don't think they look too drab at all. From the pictures, they look almost pure and fresh.
OK, I'll let it flower and hope for the best. Thanks for the suggestions.

[digitalgate]

i wouldn't let the plant bloom as it mean certain death for the plant.

[solay]

I think I'll risk it this time. If it croaks then I'll make sure I keep an eye out for the flower stalks on the next plant I buy. Give me flowers or give me death. Hehehe!

[tom499]

As long as the plant is getting good strong light flowering won't be a problem.

If its makiing plenty of energy it wont die from exhaustion.

[patticake]

Originally Posted by kip

actually, there's about 45,000 species of plants (14% of all plant species) that don't bloom. this includes all mosses, ferns, and pine trees.
venus flytrap flowers are usually white. see this picture (wikipedia) for an example.

oh, crap...I knew that. Spores, etc...I wasn't using my head. (as usual.)
I hope you let it bloom, Solay. If it does die, you can get another...they're pretty cheap around here. I think it would be neat to experience the bloom first-hand.

[Andrew]

VFT's do divert a considerable amount of energy into flowering that would otherwise be used for leaf and rhizome growth. For healthy, vigorous plants the setback is minimal (the plants may slow down leaf production while flowering, trap size may not get as big and new crowns may not be formed as quickly compared to plants that have had their flower stems removed). However, if a VFT dies from flowering, the chances are that it was not growing well in the first place. I've often let plants flower and go to seed without affecting their health, however, I generally remove the stems when they're between 1" to 3" tall because I want big traps not flowers.

Haing said that, you're plant seems to be flowering at the wrong time of year. VFT's flower in late spring/early summer. When the flower stem is removed in spring they'll often send another one up in autumn. However, it's does this at a time when it should be focusing its energy into the rhizome so it can come back strongly after dormancy. Seed will also not develop in time before it goes dormant so there is not a lot of incentive in allowing a VFT to flower in autumn. As well as this, if you had problems with the VFT dying back (note: the spring growth does normally die off as the second flush of prostrate autumn leaves come up), it might not be the best move to let it flower while it's trying to recover.

[katrina]

I'm no expert on VFTs but I think I'd let it flower. What the heck. Besides, they aren't expensive so if it does die...you can always pick up another one.

Never know what's possible unless you try.

I'll bet you've spent more on an orchid you weren't sure you could give proper culture to. Am I correct? I know I have. What makes this any different than that?

Just my personal opinion.

[dr_frnkblck]

I say let it flower also. How many people killed their first orchid? It is a learning experience. If the VFT survives, just think of how proud of your culture you'll be. If it dies, you'll know better for next time.

[dolo3]

I throw my vote to the let it flower bunch. I'd love to see a picture of yours when it blooms. By the way, if VFT doesn't eat gnats, what does it eat? I don't know anything about them except that they sell them at WalMart! However, I LOVE my pitcher plant and hope it is getting plenty to eat out there in the yard

[dr_frnkblck]

When i had one we used to feed it house flies and ants. I think gnats are too small.

[dolo3]

Do you actually have to "feed" it or have so many flies around that one happens to settle there? We do have A LOT of ants around here though so maybe I should get a VFT for the lanai.

[dr_frnkblck]

When I had one I was in college and it was the fun thing for my roommates to catch flies and ants and feed them to the fly trap. I;m pretty sure that overfeeding contributed to the death of that plant. I believe if you leave them in an open environment they will attract insects to themselves but I'm not an expert.

[articuno75]

I had one once and I fed mine raw hamburger. I over fed and it died.

[solay]

I read the link Jay posted on VFTs and supposedly you should not feed a trap more than 1/3 of the size of the trap. Also only once a week if at all. Must stimulate the trigger hairs manually (if feeding dead bugs) to start the digestive part or the trap will reopen. No fertilizers and only clean water. I read the whole thing. It was very entertaining.

Thanks Jay.

[solay]

Oh, I decided to let it flower for the heck of it. Will post a pic. when it flowers. Thanks for everyone's input.

[patticake]

Thanks for letting it bloom. I can't wait to see your flower pictures!

[solay]

Your welcome Patti. I'll just take my chances. I'll post when the flowers open up.

Even read about how to get it to seed to make baby VFT. I'm just day dreaming though. Don't think I have enough knowledge to actually grow them from seed.

[jay]

I just sprouted some seeds. They are making their first real traps, but they are the size of a pin head. I will try to post pictures on the weekend. Life has been very busy lately.

[solay]

Jay, that would be great. Bet they are cute. I know what you mean. This time of year is the worst. Too much going on all at once. Although holidays are my favorite time of the year.

[Sabien]

A tip, Solay. If you want to catch gnats, you're better off with Pinguicula.

[jay]

Here are my Dionaea muscipula.

Pict 1 - seedlings.
Pict 2 - close up of seedling
Pict 3 & 4 - Pictures of my adult Dionaea muscipula 'B-52' (a cultivar that has larger than normal traps and is a vigorous grower)

The carnivorous plants grow so nicely with the After Dark seedlings.

[solay]

Jay, those look so cute. Tiny little traps. How long from germination before the little traps appear? Do they grow slow?
I might get the larger trap VFT too if the one I have now does well.

[jay]

Solay,

carnivorous plants are much like orchids in growth speed. It could take these seedlings 2 years before they large traps.

I bet you have some great success with your VFT. Your outdoor climate is pretty close to their natural habitat. You might be able to grow them outside year round using the watering tray method. What are your maximum temps in the summer and minimum temps in the winter?

[solay]

Outside. Really? That would be nice. The highest summer temp. would be 90 degrees give or take and lows around 30-28 degrees a few days in winter. Most winter days run around 35-40 degrees.

[jay]

Solay,

Check this page out. It might actually get just a little too cold for you if it drops below freezing. Keep in mind that these are average temps so it actually gets warmer and colder than what is listed on this chart. You also have the humidity in Norther Cali that will help the plants.

The Carnivorous Plant FAQ: Winter dormancy? Huh? What?

[berkeleysgr8]

You might want to check out Hortus Botanicus Carnivores. They're located in Fort Bragg, CA. I'll bet the owner would be willing to give tips and advice based on Northern California culture. Just remember NOT to throw your plant out when it goes dormant!!!

[solay]

Here are the flowers. They started opening a few days ago. Not sure if I should put it outside the GH for the dormancy period after it's done blooming. What do you think? So far the leaves are still green but not growing much.

[articuno75]

I don't care what people say about it being a "boring" flower. I think it's pretty. I've never seen a fly trap in bloom before. The bloom kind of reminds me of strawberry blooms. It's wonderful. :P

[jay]

very nice solay!

you could pollinate the flowers with a paint brush and then sow the seeds. They are really cute when they have pinhead sized traps.

What are the temps, hi and low, in your greenhouse? In nature they get down to mid to upper 30's at night. They need a gradual change so they can create an "anti-freeze" to go dormant. The next step is to trim the remaining leaves off.

Here is a link about dormancy.

The Carnivorous Plant FAQ: Winter dormancy? Huh? What?

[solay]

Thanks Jay. I have a heater in the GH to keep the low temp at 60 degrees and right now it's in the 70s during the day. Might get in the 80s if the sun is out.

I'll try pollinating just for fun to see if I can get anything to grow.

Jenny, I agree that it looks like strawberry flowers. It's pretty in a simple kinda way.

[lynda]

I have two hanging basket Pitcher Plants that were outside. They are suffering from frost bite now. One I brought into the house (didn't make any difference except to smell up the kitchen bump-out window, so its back outside...................
will these Pitcher Plants come back in the Spring????????

[digitalgate]

Originally Posted by lynda

I have two hanging basket Pitcher Plants that were outside. T
will these Pitcher Plants come back in the Spring????????

it should be , nonthing to worry about. Be careful of cool temperature now though.

[patticake]

Originally Posted by solay

Here are the flowers. They started opening a few days ago. Not sure if I should put it outside the GH for the dormancy period after it's done blooming. What do you think? So far the leaves are still green but not growing much.

Oh, they're so cute!! I like them!

[fred]

this will make you laugh
I saw these in bloom myself just two weeks ago
really amazing little plants
I saw so many different Carnivorous plants in bloom I never had my camera

[jay]

Solay, I hope they pollinate for you. Here are some pictures of my baby VFT's that I took this morning. They were planted at then end of summer and are grown indoors under lights. Their pot sits in RO water 24/7.

They are only a couple of millimeters each and will be at least a year before they can catch a regular house fly, but they are fun to grow.

Keep us posted on how yours does. Good luck.

[solay]

They sure are tiny Jay. They look good though. Will you sell them once they are grown?

I tried to pollinate the flowers but some have already starting to wilt. There's a couple more buds so I'll try those too and see if it takes.

Fred, too bad you didn't have a camera. Must have been interesting. The VFT is the only one I've ever seen in bloom.

[LouisW]

An interesting thing- the spike must be very long and held high above the rest of the plant so that is does not eat its pollinators. You see this trend with pitcher plants as well.

[jay]

Solay, I am going to keep them in growth for one year. I do not plan on letting them go dormant this year. After a successful dormancy next winter I will divide and give away the extra bulbs. I will only keep one or two since I have a couple of other varieties. It is just a fun project and I plan on sharing the extras.

[solay]

Jay, I guess it would be hard to keep them all to yourself. Not to mention the room all those babies will take up.

LouisW, I didn't know pitcher plants bloomed either. The long stalk makes sense now that you mentioned that. Never thought about it until now. I've been wanting to buy a pitcher plant. The ones that have the red markings on them.

[solay]

Here we go again. This time it has three spikes. Is that normal? It seems to want to spit out more spikes now.

I snipped them all off since I want larger traps not blooms. The plant looks too weak for blooms anyway. The first bloom did not pollinate. Just dried up.

[digitalgate]

envy, envy ,engy

[jay]

That is a good looking VFT. Did it go into dormancy?

[solay]

Jay, how do you know? I kept it watered and it stayed green the whole time. My guess is "no"? They turn brown during dormancy right? I have to go back and read about VFT again.

[tom499]

Nice looking plant! Though from the size of the regular leaves you want to put it in more sunlight, as long as its kept cool (good breeze, a nice saucer of water) they will love full sun and do much better for it.

In dormancy they will generally lose their above leaves, but dont worry too much if you kept it abit warmer and it didnt do so. While its not growing much just keep it moist. I will have to double check but I think they season like their Sarracenia swamp buddies and flower before their growth stage, so hopefully you'll see some new leaves and traps soon =)

[solay]

I guess I kept it too warm by having it in the greenhouse. Next winter I will give it a dormancy period. Thanks.

[Ben G]

you might want to cut the spike becus is likely to die after bloming